A Winchester man is set to light up the Hampshire skyline next week to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work.

Callum Pepper, 29, will join hundreds of fundraisers uniting against dementia after dark at the charity’s Portsmouth Glow walk on Friday, March 18 after experiencing the devastating impact of dementia first-hand.

He is determined to shine a light on dementia after his beloved 95-year-old grandmother was diagnosed with the disease two years ago.

Callum, who aims to raise £200 at the sponsored night walk, said: “My nan has played a huge part in my life and to see such a kind, caring, humorous and loving person succumb to an awful illness has been devastating for my whole family. Dementia doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed with it, but everyone around them. The fact that she can no longer remember the wonderful times we spent together is particularly hard.

“I'm taking part in the Glow Walk in her honour. It is important to me to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society because I want to contribute to the incredible research and care provided by the charity.”

When the pandemic started, Callum’s 25-year-old sister moved in with their nan, Margaret Pepper, to look after her.

It was during this time that the pensioner’s behaviour changed; she started sleeping a lot, experiencing night terrors, and trying to get out of the house in the middle of the night.

The family arranged for Margaret to be assessed and she was diagnosed with dementia in November 2020.

Her health deteriorated to the point that she required round-the-clock support, so Margaret moved into a care home early last year.

Until he moved to Winchester four years ago, Callum would visit his nan at least three times a week where she lives in their hometown of Spalding in Lincolnshire.

“I have so many fond memories of the time we spent together over the years,” says Callum, who works at Swanmore College in Southampton.

“Over the years we spent hours together sat listening to The Archers at the same time as watching the soaps on TV or pottering around her garden.

“Nowadays we see each other on Facetime, and it has been a joy to introduce her on there to my five-month-old daughter Lyra-Ann, who is her first great-granddaughter. They love to smile and giggle at each other.”

Callum will join people of all ages and walking abilities for a colourful 5km stroll along Southsea’s historic seafront. Participants are encouraged to dress in neon colors, bring glow sticks and sport their brightest outfits to raise funds and awareness for the 22,380 people living with dementia in Hampshire.

Alzheimer’s Society’s services, including the Dementia Connect support line, have been used over six million times since the start of the pandemic but too many people are still facing dementia alone.

Linda Goddard, Alzheimer’s Society area manager for Hampshire, said: “We would like to thank Callum and all our amazing fundraisers who are taking part in a GLOW event this March.

“Portsmouth Glow is a fabulous opportunity to make memories with family and friends, all while raising money and awareness for the 22,380 people living with dementia in Hampshire who continue to be disproportionally hit by the pandemic.

“Nobody should have to face dementia alone without adequate support. That’s why we’re urging the people of Hampshire to shine a light on dementia alongside your family and friends this March and help make a difference in the fight against dementia.

“Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.”

Help create a brighter future for people affected by dementia alongside family and friends at Alzheimer’s GLOW Portsmouth on Friday, 18 March at 7pm. You can sign up at alzheimers.org.uk/glow.