Journal

London is calling.

On August 1, I’ll begin my walk across England, starting at Land’s End on the country’s rugged southwestern tip. From there, I’ll walk nearly 680 miles to London, continuing my mission to raise awareness that cognitive decline is not an inevitable part of aging.

Before setting out, I wanted to spend a few days in England learning, preparing, meeting people, and imagining what it might feel like to finally walk into London after weeks on the trail. Those few days turned out to be meaningful—not because of any single event, but because they reminded me that every worthwhile journey begins long before the first mile.

One of the highlights of my visit was attending the Integrative & Personalised Medicine Congress. I enjoyed hearing physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals discuss the expanding role of personalized medicine and the remarkable progress being made in brain health. I left encouraged by the number of people in the United Kingdom who are asking thoughtful questions about Alzheimer’s prevention and lifelong cognitive wellness.

I was especially honored when Dr. Kat Toups mentioned my story during her presentation on the Dementia Reversal Trial. Her comments sparked several conversations with attendees who wanted to learn more about my own experience and why I’m preparing to walk across England. Those conversations reinforced something I’ve come to believe deeply: when we share our stories, we give others permission to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and explore new possibilities.

One of my favorite experiences was finally meeting six Apollo Health coaches from across the UK. We’d spent hours together on Zoom, but meeting face-to-face was something entirely different. Their enthusiasm for this journey was contagious. They have already begun helping with logistics and planning, and several hope to join me for portions of the walk. Knowing that I’ll occasionally share the trail with friends makes the adventure feel even more special.

The week also included plenty of practical preparations. We recorded videos for social media, met with potential supporters, and searched for the perfect place to finish the journey. We found it in Victoria Tower Gardens, a peaceful park beside the River Thames and adjacent to the Palace of Westminster. Shaded by mature trees, easily accessible by public transportation, and offering a beautiful setting, it immediately felt right. Standing there, I could almost picture the moment weeks later when I cross the bridge, walk into the park, and complete this remarkable journey.

One afternoon, a friend drove me to Canterbury, where we visited St. Martin’s Church, the oldest church in England to have held continuous weekly services. I learned that some of my distant relatives were married there centuries ago. Sitting quietly in the ancient chapel and wandering through its gardens, I found myself imagining what life must have been like in the 1600s. It was an unexpectedly moving experience, and I felt a surprising connection to a place I’d never visited before.

Canterbury has welcomed pilgrims for centuries, and soon it will welcome another. During the final days of my journey, I’ll walk part of the historic Pilgrims’ Way before continuing on toward London. It seems like a fitting reminder that every generation has its own pilgrimage. Mine happens to be one of hope — hope that we can change the conversation about aging, protect our brains, and inspire others to believe that it’s never too late to take the first step.