The Dementia Experience - Moroccan Adventure

Help us raise vital funds to support & bring nuggets of joy to families and carers of those living with dementia 💜

This October, we’re taking on a 50km High Atlas trek — not just as a physical challenge, but as a powerful symbol of resilience, love, and determination. We walk for the family members who give so much every single day and in honour of those they love who live with dementia.

Watching someone you love change is incredibly hard, and the courage it takes to adapt cannot be underestimated. This life-changing adventure will give participants the chance to recharge, reflect, and turn personal experiences into something powerful and meaningful.

All funds raised will support the work of The Dementia Experience- by donating, you’ll be helping families stay connected and supported in colourful, welcoming environments filled with warmth and positivity.

Team Members:

*Sophie Lewis: "I'm taking on this challenge because I am utterly inspired by the whole ethos behind The Dementia Experience. The idea of creating joy and life around a challenge that can feel like the very opposite is such a wonderful thing. Walking and talking, being out in nature, and collective adventures are all positive nuggets of joy for everybody and mind. Atlas carried the world on his shoulders with strength and purpose - we hope to climb these Atlas mountains with the same sort of determination (and comfortable boots!)"

*Miranda Gowlland: "I'm taking on this challenge, and the inevitable prospect of sore legs, in honour of my Mum who is living with Alzheimer's. She hasn't directly benefited from The Dementia Experience's work, but I've seen firsthand how valuable and needed their work is, and I'm hoping together we can raise a lot of funds to continue this and to bring further moments of joy and connection to people impacted by dementia."

*Jackie Crammond:  "In 1979 at 17 years old, a psychiatric student nurse, I found myself in a ward in an old Victorian institution, with 60 patients, all with severe dementia. Although it came as a complete shock that is where I learned my “basic“ nursing care & at that time, that was all we could give. When I compare then to now, the advances we see in the management and quality of life for those living with dementia have improved dramatically. The Dementia Experience provides opportunities to allow people to maintain their dignity, find times of joy and laughter whilst supporting carers with compassion and kindness. My grandpa was my hero. Strong, reliable, capable. Dementia diminished him and caused our family so much pain as we witnessed him deteriorate into a shadow of who he once was. We lost him many years before he passed.
I’m taking on the Atlas Mountains challenge in memory of my grandpa and those patients, many of whom I still remember. Please support the Dementia Experience with anything you can give. Those moments of happiness and optimism they bring to people are priceless."

*Louise Rennie

*Alex Crammond

*Lilian Le Sage

*Clara Hebblethwaite: "I will be walking for the brave family members who give so much, and in honour of those they love living with dementia.".

*Carla Smith: "Being part of the Dementia Experience has been one of the most rewarding and incredible experiences of my life. To witness Dementia first hand has been difficult and often moving. Yet to also see how music can ignite someone's soul and reconnect loved ones has been utterly breathtaking.  I have spent a life time dreaming of adventure and seeing the world and so when I was offered the chance to walk through the Atlas Mountains of Morocco AND raise money for this incredible charity, I had to say yes. What an experience! I can't wait."

*Sarah Brady: " in 2022 my beautiful mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Mum was always the life and soul and has had a full and wonderful life. Since her diagnosis her world has become a lot smaller. We tried lots of different groups and activities and it was just not her. That is until we found The Dementia Experience. Becoming part of this fabulous group of people has given us our mum back as during these sessions she shines like she used to. For those who know me are well aware that I love a plush hotel and my creature comforts so in doing this challenge I will be totally out of my comfort zone. Please help me to raise as much money as I can for this wonderful cause."