Sometimes, the smallest things can hold the biggest meaning. A favourite pair of shoes, a special trip or a song that reminds us of a person we love can bring them close to us, even when they’re no longer here.
For Rob, taking part in our Red Shoe Walk was about more than raising money for dementia care. It was a chance to remember his beloved wife, Lynne, and turn precious memories into something meaningful for others.
Rob and Lynne shared 52 years together, building a happy life in South Yorkshire and raising their son, Joe.
“I asked her out the very first time I met her. It took some persuading, but eventually she admitted she liked me and agreed to a date. The rest is history, as they say,” Robert recalled.
Lynne was a woman who knew what she loved. Music and holidays were two of her greatest passions, and even as Alzheimer’s took its toll, music could still bring a little spark of recognition.
“She was a fantastic woman. Music was in her DNA. Even towards the end, if we played The Eagles or George Michael, she would still perk up.”
And then there were the cats, especially Nicki, who held a very special place in Lynne’s heart. “The other love of her life,” as Rob says.
But among the many memories Rob holds dear, one particular pair of boots has become an especially treasured reminder of his wife.
Lynne’s glittery red Ugg boots were a favourite. She brought them home from New York during a family holiday and loved wearing them at Christmas. They were quite the conversation starter, too, with people regularly asking where they were from. Some even offered to buy them!
Since Lynne sadly passed away in 2022, the boots have taken on an even deeper meaning for Rob and his family.
“Every Christmas we put her Uggs under the Christmas tree just to bring a little piece of her into Christmas each year,” he said. “So, when I first saw the Red Shoe Walk online and read that it was for dementia care, I thought it was a sign from Lynne. She absolutely loved her red shoes. I knew I had to sign up to take part,” said Robert.
Our Red Shoe Walk at Meadowhall brings people together to remember loved ones, share their stories and raise vital funds for dementia care in Sheffield.
“It was honestly a great day. I did struggle putting the red T-shirt on! I told the staff, nobody at Hillsborough will forgive me for this. For what could be a sad event, it was just fun and upbeat. Sadly, Joe couldn’t be there, so I did the walk for us both and I wrote Lynne’s name down on the memory board. It was just fantastic.”
By taking part in our Red Shoe Walk, Rob wanted to help other people living with dementia and their families that are going through their own journey.
“Remember that you’re not alone. There are others going through it, people you can talk to and there is support out there.”
Rob’s story is a beautiful reminder that fundraising can be about so much more than just that. It can be a way to celebrate a life, keep memories close and create something positive from something so difficult.
This year, our Red Shoe Walk at Meadowhall raised an incredible £14,404.68 that will go towards funding vital projects across our NHS to help improve dementia care.
We’re so grateful to Robert and everyone who joined us, fundraised and helped make the event such a success. You’ve all played a part in helping people live better with dementia in Sheffield.
The Red Shoe Walk will be back for 2027! Whether you've walked with us before or this would be your first time, we really hope to see you all there. Register your interest in the event here.
Published: Friday 30th of October 2026