I’m proud to work for a company that has chosen Dementia UK as our charity of the year.

As part of our commitments, 34 of us have stepped forward to embark on a journey to raise £102,000 to support people caring for loved ones. The funds will help to provide over 8,200 hours of one-to-one support for carers - people just like me - who are facing the daily challenges and weight of caring for the people they love most at such a difficult time.

What We Are Doing 🤔

One of our key initiatives to raise funds is walking the French Way of the Camino de Santiago, a 1,000 year old pilgrimage route across Spain.

Friends and family may remember that last year I joined the last 100km of the Portuguese Way of the Camino, walking over 6 days from Vigo to Santiago. It was a very physical challenge but also a deeply personal journey at a very difficult time in my life. And next year I’ll be doing it all over again with some great colleagues from across Access but this time via the French Way.

Why This Is Close to My Heart 💙

In recent years, my life drastically changed when my father was diagnosed with a terminal condition - an aortic aneurysm - and the hospital decided against surgery. The news left him in a state of shock, depression, anger, and ultimately, fear. Then, almost overnight, he began to lose his memory. He declined rapidly and I made the decision to resign from work to become his full-time carer. He was officially diagnosed with late-stage Vascular Dementia at end of 2023.

After a difficult year I suddenly felt compelled to walk the Camino in April 2024. My brother had walked it nearly 10 years prior but whilst I admired him for it, I never thought I could do it or would even get the chance. But I felt an overwhelming sense that this was something that I needed to do and I decided that it’s now or never. Within a few weeks I had booked my flights and set off, with way too much luggage and no training whatsoever. But as tough as I found it to be, it was exactly what I needed to shed some of the emotional weight I was carrying and reconnect with people; alongside my own sense of strength, inspiration and faith.

A few months later I joined Access and I found myself amongst other people who were really passionate about care. Working within the Health & Social Care sector, I feel like I’m well positioned to try and make a difference in whatever small way that I can. I hope that’s reflected in my day job. But walking the Camino to raise awareness and money for Dementia UK very much feels like it’s part of that, and doing it alongside so many like-minded colleagues is a wonderful thing.

How Can You Help 🎗️

If you can, please donate. Every amount - no matter how big or small - will 100% make a difference. The money raised will help Dementia UK provide specialist one-to-one support, advice, and guidance to families like mine, at a time when they need it most. Just £10 will help 10 families find out more about how to get a diagnosis and vital access to support. Jonathon Whittaker