We are proud to launch ‘Miles for Memories’ – a virtual cycling challenge that brings our care homes, residents, families and wider communities together to raise awareness of dementia, one mile at a time.
Taking place from 19th–30th January 2026, Miles for Memories will see all ten Mariposa and Papillon care homes across the UK take part in a sponsored virtual cycle. Together, we will collectively pedal the 310-mile road distance between our most northern and southern homes.
Over the two-week period, each home will aim to complete 31 miles, contributing to a combined total of 310 miles. This represents the approximate distance from Briardene Care Home in Newcastle-upon-Tyne to The Old Prebendal House Care Home in Oxfordshire, passing through our homes in Carlisle, Leeds, County Durham and Middlesbrough along the way.
A Challenge Designed for Everyone
Miles for Memories has been designed so that everyone can get involved. Using an adjustable pedal exerciser, participants can turn the pedals using their legs or their arms, depending on what feels most comfortable. Distances will be tracked automatically, making it easy for residents, team members, families and visitors to take part. Those who are unable to cycle physically will still play a vital role by cheering on participants, tracking progress, creating decorations and celebrating milestones.
As each home completes its 31-mile section, we will celebrate with a symbolic “torch pass” to the next home along the route. This represents how far support can travel when communities come together, and how shared efforts can help light the way for dementia care across the UK.
Why Miles for Memories Matters
Dementia and memory loss conditions affect so many individuals and families, and we see first-hand the importance of awareness, understanding and support. Through Miles for Memories, we hope to shine a light on the wide-reaching impact of dementia, while reflecting the shared journey of care that connects our homes, residents and communities.
Chris Beastall, Development Director for Mariposa Care Group Ltd, said:
“It brings me immense pride to see our homes come together to raise awareness for such an important cause. Dementia and other memory loss conditions affect so many lives, and this virtual cycle is a wonderful way to show how, by uniting together, we can really make a difference.
We know our homes will rise to this challenge, as they continue to put our residents and their families at the forefront of everything we do. To further show our appreciation to our homes for always being willing to go the extra mile, the Company will be donating £1 for every mile cycled to Dementia UK, supporting an organisation that does such vital work.”
Following Our Journey
Several of our homes provide specialist dementia care, and Miles for Memories is another way we are reinforcing our ongoing commitment to both dementia care and dementia awareness at a local and national level.
We will be sharing regular updates from across our homes on our Facebook pages throughout the challenge. If you are visiting one of our homes between 19th–30th January, we warmly encourage you to get involved and support the miles along the way.
To follow our journey, please visit facebook.com/mariposacarehomes.
