WHY?

As I'm about to complete 75 turns around the Sun, I've decided to go back to the place of my birth - St Helens Lancashire - and take A Long Walk to my current abode in Beeston Nottinghamshire.

Along the way I'll be visiting old haunts, recalling memories and learning what I have forgotten about these places through the years. I'll be doing this alone, or with friends, or with family, in sections during April and May.

I'll travel approximately 250 kilometres and, if a manage that, I may well visit Cardiff and Dublin to Walk those Memory Lanes.

WHAT?

On the Long Walk A Long Memory Lane, DEMENTIA seemed an appropriate fundraising cause. Dementia steals a happily ever after for one person every 3 minutes. So any support you can provide will be a huge boost to my morale and motivation A Long The Way, and help those living with dementia.

The scientist in me knows that research provides a chance of changing the ending for people affected by dementia. For this reason I've chosen ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH UK- the leading dementia research charity - as one option for people to contribute to.

My recent personal experience, volunteering at BEESTON MEMORY CAFE - a local facility for people living with dementia - has shown me how practical help can be so beneficial. They provide a safe, friendly place for people living with dementia in the community and also offer direct support to carers at monthly sessions. Liaising with outside agencies, advice is provided on many varied issues affecting those living with dementia. So you also have the option of supporting this local, practical source of dementia support.

While I'm away walking, a member of Alzheimer's Society will be talking to Beeston Memory Cafe - what a great coincidence !

HOW?

You can choose to support one or both of these charities using the links here.

Thank you in advance - I start the footslog on my 75th birthday - April 7th 2026 - and you can follow my progress on Instagram @paxstrolls