Today, nearly one million people in the UK are living with dementia. One in two of us will be affected by it in our lifetime – whether by caring for someone with the diagnosis, developing it ourselves, or both. It’s the biggest health and social challenge of our time.

Over the past few years, dementia has entered my family's life. We've walked alongside close family members through diagnosis, supported them whilst living with dementia and sadly, we've said goodbye to loved ones taken by this condition.

We're not alone in this journey. Friends and colleagues share similar stories of heartbreak and resilience. Dementia doesn't only affect those diagnosed, it leaves close family and friends feeling as though the rug has been pulled from under them, often feeling helpless and overwhelmed.

The ripple effects touch everyone who loves and cares for someone with dementia, transforming not just one life, but entire families and communities.

Dementia UK's Admiral Nurses, provide expert, compassionate advice and support to anyone affected by dementia, whenever it is needed.

Right, so picture this: June 2026 a spectacularly unfit specimen who considers the walk from sofa to fridge an endurance event, decides to trek across Spain. In summer. Over mountains. Genius, really. At my age, my knees sound like bubble wrap when I stand up and yet somehow I've signed up to walk the Camino—a hundred kilometres of dusty paths, vertical climbs and temperatures that could fry an egg on my bald spot. I'll be the one you spot collapsed under an olive tree, being prodded with walking poles by concerned 80-year-olds who've just jogged past me whilst discussing their evening's tapas plans.

But hey, if a wheezing, creaking, melting middle-aged disaster on legs can drag themselves across Spain, surely you can chuck a few quid at Dementia UK? Consider it danger money. ALAN COPELAND