The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated the change and challenges that individuals living with a dementia face on a daily basis – and as a response, the UK’s leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society has adapted its services to support those in “critical need”.

Having already raised £5.3 million [April 2021], many up-and-down the country are continuing to respond to the society’s coronavirus emergency appeal by cultivating funds that further support the charity’s vision in providing essential assistance both virtually and in-person – and none more so than B&M Care’s Head of HR.

The beginning of January saw Emma Norris sign up to Alzheimer’s Society’s ‘Step Up for Dementia’: a challenge that encourages supporters to complete 850,000 steps within three months – a step for each person currently living with a dementia in the UK.

Exceeding her goal by almost 2,000, Emma reached 851,877 steps – raising a total of £200 and earning herself a medal for her extensive ‘foot work’.

“After seeing how the pandemic has affected Alzheimer’s Society’s funding, I wanted to do whatever I could to support them – and what better way than getting out and about as part of their ‘Step Up’ challenge,” said Emma.

Bracing the winter’s harsher climes, as well as those more recent warmer moments, Emma’s challenge took her to neighbouring lakes, trails and wider green space where she enjoyed the lockdown’s calm and tranquillity.

Emma continued: “Walking in all kinds of weather, whilst exploring nearby countryside, made the challenge fun and exciting; but even better was the fantastic support I received throughout – I was truly touched by everyone’s kind generosity considering with what we’re all going through right now.”