Rosie Brooks beams as she performs final checks on her backpack, but behind her cheerful demeanor lies a profound motivation. Standing on the grounds of Cirencester's Royal Agricultural University, she explains, 'I want to do something to honour my mum, Dawnie, and do something positive, because of all the suffering she went through.'
At 7:30 AM on a breezy, sunny Saturday, Rosie joined hundreds of others at the start line for a 100-kilometer continuous walk through the scenic Cotswold countryside. As part of Metro's Lifeline team, her reason for undertaking this grueling challenge, which would see her hiking through the night, is straightforward. Her mother, Dawnie, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's disease in March 2019 and passed away from the illness two years ago at age 63.
'I'm also doing this to give something back to the Alzheimer's Society, who were absolutely fantastic in supporting us as a charity,' Rosie adds. Metro first spoke with her earlier this year when the Lifeline campaign launched to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer's Society. Rosie recounted how doctors initially dismissed her mother's memory loss as depression and menopause, leading to a 15-month struggle for a diagnosis after Dawnie began forgetting things like her beloved horse Bud's name and struggled with simple tasks.
Even after Dawnie suffered an eye bleed in 2018 and received a brain scan, the illness wasn't detected. It wasn't until a year later, upon reviewing the scans, that her consultant psychiatrist noticed shrinkage in the parietal lobe, a clear sign of dementia. After Rosie shared her story with Metro writer Sarah Ingram, the two became friends and, both living near the Cotswolds, decided to join the Lifeline trekking team.
The group, consisting of readers, Metro staff, and charity supporters, covered over 1,000 kilometers over the weekend, tackling 25-kilometer, 53-kilometer, and 100-kilometer routes of the Ultra Challenge Cotswold Way event. Starting in Cirencester and joining the Cotswold Way at Painswick, the team enjoyed breathtaking views of the Gloucestershire countryside, which proved hillier than many expected.
Metro Lifeline 2026
This year, Metro proudly supports the Alzheimer's Society for its 2026 Lifeline campaign. Alongside raising awareness through articles sharing personal experiences, on June 13, 2026, a group of Lifeline trekkers—comprising readers, staff, and families directly affected by dementia—took on an epic hike through the Cotswolds Way, organized by Ultra Challenge. Their goal is to raise as much money as possible to help the Alzheimer's Society support people living with dementia and their loved ones. Every penny raised goes toward providing support from day one, funding vital research, and campaigning for change. Last year, donations enabled the charity to make 34,000 Companion Calls to combat loneliness, provide vital support six million times, and speak to 71,000 people via their Dementia Support Line.
Stopping every 12.5 kilometers to check feet, refill water, and refuel at the legendary Ultra Challenge sweetie stops, the day was filled with smiles, chatter, and quiet reflection. After crossing the 100-kilometer finish line, Rosie said, 'It felt like an epic achievement. I feel quite delirious because I could never imagine being on my feet for 27 hours continuously, walking through the night in darkness over different terrains, from hot to chilly and back again. All the people who supported me along the way have been amazing, and it's been great to meet the Metro Lifeline team. We kept each other going, especially during the small hours when I didn't know what was going on. I feel emotional. I'm so thankful to everyone who donated and grateful for the opportunity to do this in Dawnie's memory.'
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive at Alzheimer's Society, praised the efforts: 'The Lifeline campaign has been an important platform, allowing people to share the reality of living with dementia and raising awareness of its devastation. It's been fantastic to see so many take on the Cotswold Ultra Challenge to raise vital funds. I thank everyone who walked, donated, shared their experience, or helped raise awareness. Together, they made the walk and campaign a huge success. I extend deepest thanks to our partners, Metro—without whom none of this would be possible. Funds raised will allow us to continue being a lifeline for everyone affected by dementia and facilitate world-leading research.'
Metro's deputy editor Claie Wilson, who oversees the Lifeline campaign and participated in the trek, remarked, 'As we shared people's stories, I was struck by how many of us have been impacted by Alzheimer's. Hearing them talk about the devastation, you couldn't escape the overwhelming sense of love and care that came through, even during the bleakest times. I also learned how vital the Alzheimer's Society is for families affected by this cruel disease and how hard they work to support them. I'm incredibly proud that Metro has been able to help, and of all our amazing trekkers who took on this walk with grit and determination. It was incredible.'
During the difficult miles, Rosie found reminders everywhere of her purpose—including blooms of forget-me-nots along the Cotswold pathways, the poignant flower of the Alzheimer's Society. She also felt her mother's presence when robins kept appearing along the walk. 'She loved robins,' Rosie explains. 'Whenever I see one, I think Dawnie is near, watching over me.'
So far, Metro's Lifeline campaign has raised over £22,000. The team stayed at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park, which provided accommodation. Surrounded by 152 lakes, the resort offers panoramic views, self-catering accommodations, and a spa for relaxation.
