Sandstone Care Group Team Takes on 18km Challenge for Dementia UK

Colleagues from across Sandstone Care Group have completed an 18km walking challenge along Cheshire’s Sandstone Trail to raise vital funds for Dementia UK.

Walkers from the group’s care homes and head office came together to tackle the Sandstone Trail and Delamere Way Loop, walking all the way out to Frodsham War Memorial.

The six-hour challenge began with a little rain, but the clouds soon cleared and the team enjoyed sunshine for much of the walk, as well as panoramic views across the Cheshire countryside.

They were joined by four-legged companions Peggy and Rocco, who completed the entire route alongside the walkers.

The challenge was organised as part of Sandstone Care Group’s support for Dementia UK, its Charity of the Year for 2026, and gave colleagues from across the organisation the opportunity to come together outside of work for a cause closely connected to the people and families they support.

Together, the walkers have raised more than £2700 so far for Dementia UK, with donations continuing following completion of the challenge.

Cathie Bostock, carer at Priesty Fields in Congleton, was among those who took part.
She said: “Thank you for making us feel welcome. We really appreciate it and enjoyed everyone who we met. We came as strangers and left as friends.”

Lucy Holl, managing director of Sandstone Care Group, said: “It was fantastic to see colleagues from across Sandstone come together and take on the Sandstone Trail for such an important cause.

“Walking 18km is no small challenge, but there was a great sense of camaraderie throughout the day and everyone was determined to complete it and raise as much as possible for Dementia UK.

“Dementia touches the lives of so many of the residents and families we support, which is why Dementia UK was such a natural choice as our Charity of the Year. We are incredibly proud of everyone who took part and grateful to all those who have supported and sponsored the team.”

Joanna Sullivan, deputy director of Fundraising at Dementia UK, said: “We are so grateful to Sandstone Care Group for organising this fundraiser for Dementia UK. One in two of us will be affected by dementia in our lifetime – either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both. It can be exhausting and overwhelming, not only for the person with dementia, but also for the people caring for them, and their wider family and friends.

“Thanks to the hard work of our amazing fundraisers like Sandstone Care Group, more families than ever will be able to access the life-changing support offered by our Admiral Nurses.”