Anne-Marie Duff Joins Alzheimer’s Society Trek26 London in Memory of Brother

Award-winning actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Anne-Marie Duff joined more than 1,000 fundraisers for the charity’s Trek26 London event on Saturday 9 May, completing a 26-mile walk through the capital in memory of her brother, Eddie, who died earlier this year after living with young-onset dementia.

The annual fundraising challenge, organised by Alzheimer’s Society, saw participants take on either 13- or 26-mile routes past some of London’s best-known landmarks, including the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben.

Duff said the event held deep personal significance following her family’s experience of caring for her brother during his illness.

Speaking ahead of the trek, she said: “I’m feeling very excited and proud to be taking part in Trek26 London.

“I’ve had the great privilege of working with Alzheimer’s Society for several years whilst my family and I have been loving and caring for my brother Eddie, as he was walking through his own experience of very early onset dementia. Sadly he passed away earlier this year so I’m choosing to celebrate his life and the lives of other dementia heroes on this trek.”

Duff also highlighted the importance of community support for people affected by dementia, describing the event as “a beautiful symbol” of togetherness for carers and people living with the condition.

The Trek26 series takes place across 13 locations in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and forms part of Alzheimer’s Society’s wider fundraising efforts to improve dementia support, care and research.

The charity said the event comes ahead of its annual Forget Me Not Appeal, which launches in June and aims to raise funds and awareness to ensure people affected by dementia receive better support.

According to Alzheimer’s Society, dementia remains the UK’s biggest killer, with around one million people currently living with the condition nationwide.

Michelle Dyson, Chief Executive of Alzheimer’s Society, praised Duff for speaking publicly about her family’s experience.

She said: “We are incredibly grateful to Anne-Marie, particularly for her courage in sharing her story, which sadly will resonate with so many people across the country.

“Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and too many people are facing its devastating impact without the support they need.”