With Christmas Day finally behind us, it’s about that time when everyone starts thinking about the year ahead. But 2026 doesn’t have to be about grand commitments, completely uprooting your life or ‘new year, new me’.
Maybe it could simply be about setting your sights on a fresh, doable challenge – and one that will help others in the process.
Enter Metro’s 2026 Lifeline campaign in support of the charity Alzheimer’s Society, with the main event a fundraising hike in the beautiful Cotswolds countryside.
To make sure as many people as possible can join us, we’re offering our trekkers a choice of distances – 25km, 50km or 100km – along the scenic route this summer, so that people of all abilities can join us.
And, as it’s not happening until June, there’s plenty of time to raise money and get some training in the bag.
A walking wonderland
The Cotswolds is a region of South West and South East England, known for its stunning scenery. It’s even home to Bibury, which was named the world’s most beautiful village by Forbes earlier this year.
Formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a large part of the Cotswolds is now protected as a National Landscape. The rural area contains stone-built villages, towns, stately homes and gardens featuring the local Jurassic limestone.
Its main town is Cirencester, where the route’s base camp is located, which hosts a quaint collection of cafes, pubs and shops.
You’ll enjoy beautiful views of the area’s stone villages, as well as woodlands and grasslands, as you embark on the journey.
About the event
Under an hour on the train from London, the Cotswolds is a well-connected location that is easily accessible.
Taking place on June 13, 2026, our Lifeline challenge – organised by ultra event experts, Action Challenge – starts way before the day itself. From the moment you sign up, you will have access to their Challenge App – so training guides, optional practice walks, maps, online forums, and all the latest news on the event will be at your fingertips.
When the big day comes, there will be covered marquee rest stops every 12.5k, and bigger ones every 25k. These areas aren’t your bang average gazebo with some bottles of water – you’ll have access to welfare tents, catering services, professional massages, seating areas and changing rooms. (Not to mention an incredible selection of sweets to keep your energy levels up!)
Every 12.5k, you’ll have access to free snacks and drinks, with full meals every 25k. Energy drinks, lighter options for runners and a finishing meal are also all on offer (plus you’ll be catered for any dietary requirements).
There’s also the option to camp, with the usual facilities – book your own inclusive package, or ‘pitch your own’ tent.Plus, a brand-new GPS tracking system means you can share your location in real time with family and friends, without draining your phone battery.
When you get to the finish line, you’ll get a medal, a T-shirt and a glass of fizz.
Why we’re doing it
Of course, there’s one key reason for taking on this amazing challenge – to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society, which works tirelessly to support those living with dementia, as well as their loved ones. The disease affects so many, with recent research showing one in three people born in the UK will develop dementia at some point in their lifetime.
‘We are delighted to be chosen as Metro’s official charity partner for their Lifeline campaign in 2026,’ says Michelle Dyson CB, Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer’s Society.
‘We have seen first-hand over the last few years just how impactful Metro’s support for people affected by dementia has been, and we know that it resonates deeply with their readers.
‘Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and there are currently around one million people living with dementia in the UK. A third do not have a formal diagnosis, meaning they face the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment a diagnosis can bring.
‘The Lifeline campaign will play a transformative role in illuminating the scale and impact of dementia in the UK. The funds raised will go directly to Alzheimer’s Society’s support services and make an instrumental difference to the lives of thousands of people affected by dementia.
‘It will take a society to beat dementia, and working in partnership with Metro will help bring us closer to a day where dementia no longer devastates lives.’
How to sign up to our 2026 Metro Lifeline challenge
This year Metro.co.uk is proudly supporting Alzheimer's Society for our 2026 Lifeline campaign.
To help raise vital funds for the charity we are calling on our readers to join us on on Saturday 13 May 2026 for an epic hike through the beautiful Cotswold's countryside.
Choose your distance: 25km, 50km or 100km.
Registration starts at £15, with fundraising minimums of £150 (25km), £225 (50km) or £330 (100km).
Whether you want to do it as a group or are signing up solo, as part of Team Lifeline, you’ll receive tons of support and advice, so that every step you take can make a massive difference to those navigating the daily challenges of life with dementia.
To sign up and find out more, click here.
