A GROUP of neighbours are set to lead a team on an 18-mile hike across Wirral in a bid to raise cash for dementia research.

The sheltered accommodation neighbours from Alpha Living, have come up with the 10-hour challenge to suit people of all ages and abilities and has devised a walking route which stops at eleven of Alpha's Wirral communities as part of Dementia Action Week.

Taking part in a stretch of the walk is Phyllis Swarbrick whose husband Mike has vascular dementia.

The couple live at Alpha Court in Leasowe and Phyllis is determined to take part in the walk to help others like her husband.

She told the Globe: “There’s only one person I’d do this walk for and that’s Mike.

"I promised him last year that I’d do a walk for Dementia UK and I’ve challenged myself to complete a three mile section.

“I’ve known people with dementia before but nothing could have prepared me for living with it every day.

"It’s scary to know that Mike’s illness is progressive but we take everything one day at a time.

"Some days he’s quite lucid and other days he won’t recognise me or members of the family.

"Sometimes he can be like a little boy asking where he is and where his mother is.

"I’ve always got to think on my feet.”

The Alpha Walk team is made up of neighbours, friends, staff and family members and they now collecting sponsorships ahead of their challenge on Saturday, July 13 for Dementia UK.

Phyllis added: “We have a brilliant support network around us and everyone at Alpha Court is so generous and supportive.

"There is always someone to talk to about it.

"I’d love to see more people joining our walking team, even for a shorter stretch, and obviously raise as much money as possible to help Dementia UK to discover a cure for this awful disease.

“I’ve had loads of people sponsoring me already which is fantastic motivation but really Mike is my main motivation.”

All cash raised by the group will go towards providing specialist support and dementia nurses for families affected by the condition.

Chief executive at Alpha Graeme Foster said: “Lots of our staff have had loved ones receive a diagnosis of dementia and we all know residents who over the years have had their lives changed by this horrible disease.

“We care deeply for all our residents and dementia is a cause that is close to our hearts.

"We wanted to get together and do something positive to raise awareness and contribute to the wonderful work that Dementia UK does.

“The Wirral walk is a brilliant idea which will provide an opportunity for all our residents, their friends and loved ones to get involved and support us on the day.

"Please do sign up to join the walk if you can or support the team by making a donation.”

The Alpha Walk team is hoping to raise £1,150 , to donate please visit

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alphalivingwalk

Anyone who would like to take part in the walk can contact enquiries@alpha-living.co.uk or call 0151 346 1598.