Rosie Brooks beams as she makes final adjustments to her backpack, but behind her cheerful demeanor lies a deeply personal mission. ‘I want to do something to honour my mum, Dawnie, and do something positive, because of all the suffering she went through,’ she tells Metro.
A 100km Challenge for a Beloved Mother
On a breezy Saturday morning at 7:30am, Rosie stood among hundreds of participants at the start line in the grounds of Cirencester’s Royal Agricultural University. She was ready to begin a 100km continuous walk through the picturesque Cotswold countryside, a challenge that would see her hiking through the night.
As part of Metro’s Lifeline team, Rosie’s motivation is simple. Her mother, Dawnie, was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease in March 2019 and passed away 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.
A Story of Delayed Diagnosis
Metro first spoke to Rosie earlier this year when the Lifeline campaign launched. She shared how doctors initially dismissed her mother’s memory loss as depression and menopause. The family spent 15 months seeking answers after Dawnie began forgetting things like the name of her beloved horse Bud 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, when a consultant psychiatrist reviewed the scans, that shrinkage in the parietal lobe—a clear sign of dementia—was spotted.
Metro Lifeline 2026: Supporting Alzheimer's Society
This year, Metro proudly supports Alzheimer's Society for its 2026 Lifeline campaign. Through a series of articles sharing personal experiences, and a group trek on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the campaign aims to raise funds and awareness. The 18-strong team of readers, staff, and charity supporters covered over 1000km over the weekend, taking on 25km, 53km, and 100km routes of the Ultra Challenge Cotswold Way event.
Starting in Cirencester and joining the Cotswold Way at Painswick, the team enjoyed stunning views of Gloucestershire’s countryside—though it proved hillier than expected.
Fundraising Impact
Every penny raised supports people living with dementia and their loved ones. Last year alone, Alzheimer’s Society made 34,000 companion calls to combat loneliness, provided support 6 million times, and spoke to 71,000 people via its Dementia Support Line.
Crossing the Finish Line
After completing the 100km, Rosie said: ‘It felt like an epic achievement. I feel quite delirious because I could never imagine having been on my feet for 27 hours continuously, walking through the night in darkness across different terrains, from hot to chilly and back again. All the people who supported me were amazing, and it was great to meet the Metro Lifeline Team. We kept each other going, especially during the small hours. I’m so thankful to everyone who donated and grateful to do this in Dawnie’s memory.’
Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society, praised the campaign: ‘The Lifeline campaign has been a really important platform, allowing people to share the reality of living with dementia. It’s been fantastic to see so many take on the Cotswold Ultra Challenge to raise vital funds. I want to thank every person who walked, donated, shared their experience, or helped raise awareness. 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, said: ‘As we shared people’s stories, I was struck by how many of us have been impacted by Alzheimer’s. Even in the bleakest times, an overwhelming sense of love and care came through. I’m incredibly proud that Metro could help Alzheimer’s Society and of our amazing trekkers’ grit and determination.’
Signs Along the Way
During the walk, Rosie noticed forget-me-nots along the Cotswold paths—the poignant flower of Alzheimer’s Society. She also felt her mother’s presence through robins that kept appearing. ‘She loved robins. Whenever I see one, I think Dawnie is near, watching over me,’ she explains.
So far, Metro’s Lifeline campaign has raised over £22,000.
