They call Dementia the long goodbye and I don’t think I really appreciated what that exactly meant; until that is it was confirmed that dad had Dementia and we started on our own family journey of living with and supporting someone with it.
4 years ago dad was able to give a short speech at our wedding and knew who everyone was in the room while we celebrated and partied the night away. Today I am often the small one married to the tall one that lives in the white house; and that is on the good days.
That is why when Access announced Dementia UK as their Charity of the Year, I knew I just had to get involved. In June 2026, I’ll be joining a trek and walking 66km over 3 days of the legendary Camino de Santiago.
This isn’t just a personal challenge—it's a mission to raise vital funds and awareness for Dementia UK, a charity close to my heart. With Access kindly matching anything raised, we aim to raise over £200,000 for this important mission.

Every step I take will be for my dad, for my mum who has now become his carer, for our family as we learn to adapt and support our parents, and for everyone impacted by dementia.
Your support means the world—whether it’s a donation, a share, or a kind word of encouragement.
Claire Ferrier