Ray’s Incredible Progress in His 982,000m Challenge for Alzheimer’s Society
At the start of the year, we invited all Foresters members to help us cover a collective distance of 982 miles by 22nd June as part of our ongoing fundraising and support for Alzheimer’s Society – a charity chosen for our 2025/2026 Annual Charity Appeal. We’d like to give huge thanks to everyone taking part – every mile covered helps us to raise awareness and donations for an amazing cause.
We’re pleased to share an update from our Non-Executive Director, Ray Milne, who has pledged to walk or hike one metre for every one of the 982,000 people in the UK living with dementia, as part of the challenge. Thank you, Ray, for your incredible support and for sharing the stunning scenery from your walks along the way.
Ray’s Progress
Ray has kindly shared an update in his own words about how the challenge is going so far:
“Nine weeks into my 982,000m hiking challenge for Alzheimer’s Society and it’s time for an update. I am determined to achieve this by covering a reasonable distance every day and I am managing that, but it’s been tough. Especially on holiday in Egypt where in some hotels I had to resort to the treadmill in the gym. What I didn’t know is that modern treadmills have you walking whilst watching a video on a big screen, so there I was walking around Rome with a view of the Nile out of the window. In that holiday we had a short cruise on the Nile, so occasionally I had to do a few km walking around the top deck, definitely getting strange looks.
I am feeling fitter which is great, and some of the early morning walks have seen amazing sunrises. On Valentine’s Day, I did a wonderful 15k hike around Marsden Moor (see the photos below).
Every step really matters. Dementia is not just a statistic, it affects families, friendships and communities. Behind the 982,000 people living with dementia in the UK are millions of loved ones watching someone they care about slowly change. That loss, while someone is still physically present, is incredibly hard. Alzheimer’s Society provides vital support, advice and hope, and funds research to one day find a cure. If my walking can make even a small difference, every blister and early start is worth it.
In terms of progress in the 9 weeks so far, I have achieved 512,810 metres which is over 50% of my target and ahead of where I should be. So, it’s looking good and in terms of fundraising I have been blown away by people’s generosity, recently smashing my target of £2500. Having reached £4,837 I have set a new ambitious target of £5,000. If anyone is able to spare £10, or any amount at all, your support would mean a lot. Donations can be made on my JustGiving page below, and every contribution genuinely helps.”
Support Ray hiking 982,000m for the 982,000 people in the UK with Dementia
We’re incredibly grateful to Ray for his involvement in the challenge. Every early start, every metre, every blister and every breathtaking view is helping to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s Society.
Ray has also recently been awarded a Top 5% JustGiver badge, recognising him as part of the top 5% of fundraisers on the platform. An incredible effort, and brilliant to see his hard work being celebrated.
Thank You!
To everyone taking part in our 982‑mile challenge, thank you! Together, we’re helping to support people affected by dementia and move closer to a future where no one faces it alone.
To find out more about our Annual Charity Appeal, click here.