A Tranmere Rovers fan who used to live in Meols is walking from his home in Birmingham to Prenton Park to raise money for Dementia UK.
As part of the charity’s Fans vs Dementia football fundraising initiative, Dave Disley-Jones is trekking 90 miles on the first anniversary of losing his father, Brian to the disease at the age of 85.
Dave set off on Friday 28 March from Alvechurch FC’s training ground, where his son Sam played as a junior, with the aim of arriving in Birkenhead in time for Rovers’ crucial League Two match against Chesterfield on Saturday 5 April.
Along the way through the Black Country, Shropshire, North Wales and Cheshire, Dave, an NHS communications manager, will be joined by friends and family offering support.
Dave, who will scatter some of his dad’s ashes during his journey, said: “Coming to terms with dad’s growing dementia in those final years was a challenge for the whole family and sadly one familiar to many people with ageing parents. It was upsetting to see a man who was so proud and independent become confused and disoriented and I decided to help the fight against the impact of dementia by raising money for research and support.
“Tranmere Rovers has meant a lot to me and many of my friends over the years and the club’s motto is so fitting: “Wherever There Is Faith, There Is Also Light and Strength. (Ubi Fides Ibi lux et Robur). There is so much truth in that in general and it’s very pertinent to having an elderly parent with dementia, but also to Tranmere’s struggles this season.
Dave’s Dad was a great walker who when he retired hiked the whole of the 177 mile Offa’s Dyke route along the English-Welsh border from Prestatyn to Chepstow. Dave, who in March 2023 with his dog Kenny, walked 100km to raise money for Dementia UK, added: “It’s something that’s been passed down to me and so this challenge seems very fitting to walk 90 miles for 90 minutes (plus time added on for stoppages).”
According to Dementia UK, during the course of a match, 30 people in the UK will develop the disease and more than 944,000 people in the UK are affected by dementia. One in two will be affected by the condition in our lifetime – either by caring for someone with the diagnosis, developing it, or both. It’s also the second consecutive year that dementia has been recorded as the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
Dave also lost his mum, Gill in September 2022 and is using the walk as part of the grieving process for both his parents. He said: “When elderly relatives die it is the cycle of life and you just get on with it – family, work, friends – and probably don’t properly grieve. So for me this is also a way to think about them and my memories.
“I am grateful to so many people who have been so supportive of this challenge, either by donating to the charity or spending a day walking with me. All we need now is for Tranmere to keep their good recent run up and beat the drop.”
To donate to Dave’s dementia fundraising efforts click here.
