We’re absolutely delighted to announce that the Red Shoe Walk is returning to Meadowhall on Sunday 2nd August 2026, following the incredible success of its debut last year.
Thanks to the amazing support of our community, hundreds of you came together in 2025, and together we raised more than £10,000 to support people living with dementia across Sheffield. We’re so grateful, and we can’t wait to build on that success this year.
The Red Shoe Walk is a joyful, family-friendly event that brings people together to walk a simple route around Meadowhall, united by one shared purpose: to support people living with dementia and their families.
A very special host joining us this year
BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Ellie Colton will be leading the day’s celebrations and inspiring walkers as they come together, including her own family who has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
“My dad was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimer’s disease last year at the age of just 59. This diagnosis was never something we expected to deal with, let alone at such a young age. It has been incredibly hard and isolating at times, so I knew I had to take part in this event.
“I am proud to host the Red Shoe Walk this year and walk it with my parents. As a family we are so proud of my dad for accepting this diagnosis with such grace and continuing to live every single day to the fullest. I also admire my mum and sister for being so strong as it’s often as hard on the family as it is for the individual concerned. It is so important we all come together to raise money and awareness to support those affected and their families as much as possible. We can’t wait to see you on the day and all walk together as one community.”
We are so grateful to Ellie for supporting the walk and for helping us raise awareness of the realities faced by so many families.
Why red shoes?
The walk is inspired by a woman living with dementia whose lifelong love of red shoes became a powerful memory trigger, helping her reconnect with moments from her past. It’s a simple but moving reminder of the importance of memory, identity, and connection.
We also know that the colour red can be especially powerful for people living with dementia, helping to increase attention and even stimulate appetite in later stages. That’s why we encourage everyone taking part to wear their brightest red shoes on the day or pick up a free pair of red shoe covers when you arrive.
Early bird places cost £5 per adult and £3 per child, with under 3s going free, or £14 for a family of four. Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk t-shirt to wear on the day, access to a range of exclusive discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers, and access to free rides at the Summer Beach Club after the walk has finished.
We’re also incredibly grateful to our partners at Meadowhall for helping make this event possible once again. Together, we’re committed to making the 2026 walk even bigger, brighter, and more impactful.
Most importantly, the Red Shoe Walk is open to everyone. It’s a chance to come together, show support, and take meaningful steps for people living with dementia and those who love and care for them.
Every step really does tell a story, and we’d love you to be part of ours.
To find out more and book your place, visit our event page here.
Published: Sunday 17th of May 2026