In March 2025, I will be taking on my toughest challenge yet, but one that is very close to my heart: walking 1,100 miles from Land's End to John O’ Groats (LEJOG) to raise money for Dementia UK.

This journey is a very personal one. My dad, Geoff, who was a passionate long-distance walker, completed this iconic trek 22 years ago with his best friend, Chris. Sadly, Dad passed away in February 2024 after several years of living with dementia, but one legacy he has undeniably passed down is his love for adventure and the great outdoors. He kept a journal of ‘The Long Walk,’ and I’m fortunate enough to have this, along with his route, maps, and memories, as my guide.

Dad and Chris completed the walk in just 69 days, averaging 18 miles a day with 9 rest days. I am aiming to complete it at a slightly more leisurely pace over 12 weeks. Carrying a backpack and dad's trusty compass, I'll be setting off from Land's End on March 30th and hope to reach John O’ Groats by the end of June. Along the way, I'll be walking through the same ever-changing landscape that dad experienced, following the flowering bluebells from Cornwall to Caithness and passing through no fewer than 23 long-distance paths across as many counties.

Apart from map-reading, dad’s other passions were real ale and Scottish single malt whisky, and he kept a record of how many were consumed along the route. Their Land’s End to John O’ Groats expedition was not only measured in miles walked or days on the road but also by the pints drunk and the distilleries visited. As for me, I shall be sticking to the water — neat!

One poignant milestone will be reaching Fort William in late May, where my family and I will take dad’s ashes to the summit of Ben Nevis. Scotland held a special place in his heart, and he climbed ‘The Ben’ several times, the last time being with all the family for his 80th birthday in September 2018. It will be a fitting resting place for him.

Dementia UK provides incredible support for people living with dementia and their families. By donating, you'll be helping specialist nurses provide the care, advice and understanding that so many people need during an extremely difficult time.

As dementia gradually stole dad’s memories, walking remained a source of great joy for him, and it was the one thing we could still do together. This challenge is my way of honouring his incredible life while raising funds for a cause that affects so many families. This journey is for dad and for everyone touched by dementia. Every step I take will be for him and for this vitally important charity.

Thank you for your support – it really does mean the world to me.

Suzy x