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Research shows that one in three people in the UK will experience dementia (Picture: Getty Images)
It’s a stark fact that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime, which is why Metro is calling on you, our readers, for help.
In 2026, our Lifeline campaign is raising money in support of Alzheimer’s Society — a charity that helps people affected by dementia, one of the UK’s biggest killers and a condition that devastates lives.
That’s why we’re inviting you to join us – and hundreds of other like-minded walkers – for a fun and rewarding fundraising hike through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside, all while raising vital funds for a good cause.
By taking part, you can truly make a difference and help ensure no one faces dementia alone.
Talking about our partnership, Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘We have seen first-hand over the last few years just how impactful Metro’s support for people affected by dementia has been, and we know that it resonates deeply with their readers.
Money raised will go towards Alzheimer’s Society’s invaluable services for those living with the disease (Picture: Getty Images)
‘Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and there are currently around one million people living with dementia in the UK. A third do not have a formal diagnosis, meaning they face the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment a diagnosis can bring.’
Join our epic adventureOur walk will take place in the Cotswolds this summer – and for those of you still looking for an achievable challenge for 2026 that will feel good and has all the hallmarks of one you’ll actually stick to, this could be the perfect fit.
To make sure as many people as possible are able to join us as we hike across the countryside, we’re offering our trekkers a choice of distances – 25km, 50km or 100km – along the scenic route this summer, so that people of all abilities can take part.
Look forward to the beautiful views of a Cotswolds summer when you join the staff at Team Metro and fellow readers for a charity walk raising money for the Alzheimer’sSociety (Picture: Getty)
Under an hour on the train from London, the Cotswolds is a well-connected location that is easily accessible.
With the challenge date on 13 June, there’s also plenty of time to raise money and start an achievable training programme, with a motivating goal at the end of it.
The big eventThe Lifeline challenge – organised by ultra event experts Action Challenge – gets started well before the day itself. From the moment you sign up, you will have access to their Challenge App, giving you training guides, optional practice walks, maps, online forums, and all the latest news on the event at your fingertips.
First time trekker? Click here for our guide on everything you need to know.
No matter your ability, there’s a walk for you (Picture: Getty Images)
There is a dedicated Facebook page for Team Lifeline to chat, share tips and ask questions, too.
Ahead of the day, we will have contacted all the readers joining us for the walk. When the big day comes, we will meet at a pre-arranged area at the hike start where we will meet in person, take a celebratory photo to mark the moment and make sure everyone is ready and raring for our epic adventure.
How to sign up to our 2026 Metro Lifeline challengeThis year Metro.co.uk is proudly supporting Alzheimer's Society for our 2026 Lifeline campaign.
On Saturday 13 June 2026, we’re inviting our readers to take on an unforgettable challenge: an epic hike through the stunning Cotswolds countryside — all to help support people living with dementia.
Choose your distance: 25km, 50km or 100km.
With registration starting at just £15, and fundraising targets of £150 (25km), £225 (50km) or £330 (100km), you can push yourself as far as you want — while helping fund vital support and research.
Whether you sign up solo or take on the challenge with friends, you’ll be part of Team Lifeline, with plenty of guidance, encouragement and support along the way. Every mile you walk and every pound you raise will help make a real difference for people facing the daily realities of dementia.
For our 'everything you need to know' guide, click here - or if you're already raring to sign up, click here.
Once we set off, everyone can walk at their own pace, while on the route there will be covered marquee rest stops every 12.5k with bigger stops every 25k.
These rest stops are not just gazebos with bottles of water – you’ll have access to welfare tents, catering services, professional massages, seating areas and changing rooms, as well as a fantastic selection of refreshments.
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Every 12.5k, you’ll have access to free snacks and drinks, with full meals every 25k. Energy drinks, lighter options for runners and a finishing meal are also all on offer, with any dietary requirements catered for.
There’s also the option to camp, with the usual facilities – book your own inclusive package, or ‘pitch your own’ tent.Plus, a brand-new GPS tracking system means you can share your location in real time with family and friends, without draining your phone battery.
When you get to the finish line, you’ll get a medal, a T-shirt and a glass of fizz.
A walking wonderland
Sign up for Metro’s 2026 Lifeline challenge (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
The Cotswolds is a region of South West and South East England, known for its stunning scenery and is the perfect location for a challenging fundraising hike.
Formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a large part of the Cotswolds is now protected as a National Landscape. The rural area contains stone-built villages, towns, stately homes and gardens featuring the local Jurassic limestone. It’s also home to Bibury, which was named the world’s most beautiful village by Forbes earlier this year.
Its main town is Cirencester, where the route’s base camp is located, which hosts a quaint collection of cafes, pubs and shops.
Quaint towns, rolling hills and thick woodland areas will make up the journey (Picture: Getty Images)
During our trek we’ll get to take in the beautiful views of the area’s stone villages, as well as woodlands and grasslands – and no doubt a few hills.
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Of course, once we cross that finish line we also get to enjoy a much-deserved sense of achievement for taking on this challenge, especially when you know the difference it will make.
‘The Lifeline campaign will play a transformative role in illuminating the scale and impact of dementia in the UK,’ explains Michelle. ‘The funds raised will go directly to Alzheimer’s Society’s support services and make an instrumental difference to the lives of thousands of people affected by dementia.
‘It will take a society to beat dementia, and working in partnership with Metro will help bring us closer to a day where dementia no longer devastates lives.’
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