On Saturday 20th September, I am setting out to complete the 39-mile Peak Pilgrimage in Derbyshire within 24 hours. This pilgrimage route winds its way through some of England’s most beautiful - and challenging - countryside from Ilam to Eyam, taking in some glorious remote churches along the way.

I am doing this to raise funds for the Anna Chaplaincy, the wonderful group that helps older people continue to worship. Sadly, a very much loved member of our family now has dementia; her weekly visits to church are the most important moments of her life. Anna Chaplaincy helps hundreds like her to maintain their faith in their final years.

Sunday the 21st will be her birthday and I am planning to stop en route to attend Sunday morning worship at St Anne’s in Baslow and have a slice of birthday cake with her, before continuing on to the end of my journey at Eyam.

I am also doing this to raise awareness of dementia and the toll it takes on our society. Sadly there is still sometimes some social stigma associated with dementia which makes life even harder for its sufferers. We all need to work to support people with dementia and their families - and try to ensure they can still make the most of their lives even when their light is fading.

Please support me. Join me on the route if you can (starting at Ilam at 1pm on Saturday) or donate a few pounds to this wonderful organisation to recognise the work it does.

Thank you,

Neil