YPWD ADVENT CALENDAR CHALLENGE
YOUR CHALLENGE.
YOUR WAY.
1-24 December 2026
Move, create or challenge yourself this Christmas while helping to support families living with young onset dementia.
Choose your challenge:
One mile a day
The progressive
One hour a day
1-24 DECEMBER
Enjoy 24 days of exclusive content and prizes with our virtual advent calendar
3 WAYS TO TAKE PART
Choose the challenge that suits you and complete it, your way
RAISE £25 FOR FREE KIT
Claim your free fundraising t-shirt or vest when raising funds for YPWD
THE GIFT OF SUPPORT
Give families affected by dementia earlier than expected the gift of support
THE COUNTDOWN IS ON
Make December count
From 1–24 December, choose a challenge that works for you and take part in your way.
Whether you want to move a mile a day, take on the longer distance challenge or spend an hour each day building a new habit or doing something you enjoy, every day is an opportunity to move and make a difference!
And there's something waiting behind each door...
Open a door, unlock a new surprise
24 days. 24 doors.
From 1 December, we'll be opening a new door on our virtual Advent Calendar every day, exclusively for participants of the challenge.
✦ Festive surprises ✦ Tips and ideas ✦ Giveaways ✦ Videos from our attendees
Choose your challenge
Three ways to make a difference this Christmas.
1 MILE A DAY
24 miles · 24 days
Move 1 mile for young onset dementia every day from 1-24 December. Walk, cycle, run, swim; it's your challenge, your way.
This is a simple challenge that you can fit around work, family and the festive season.
Learn moreGO PROGRESSIVE
1 → 12 miles · 78 miles total
Start with 1 mile on 1 December, adding one more mile on each time you run or walk until you reach 12 miles.
A longer distance challenge for anyone looking to really push themselves this Christmas.
1 HOUR A DAY
One hour · every day · your way
Spend one hour every day doing something that matters to you. Bake, create, form a new healthy habit, learn a new language. This doesn't need to be a physical challenge, make it your own.
You don't have to be a runner.
There's no “right” way to take part.
The Advent Calendar Challenge is for everyone. You can walk, you can run, you can read. You can get creative. You can spend an hour doing something you love.
The important thing is taking part and making your challenge count!
READ
BAKE
CREATE
MOVE
LEARN
BE PRESENT
WHY WE'RE MOVING
Every challenge makes a difference
Young onset dementia affects people under the age of 65, often at a time when they are working, raising families and living busy lives. Dementia hits everyday life for families hard when a diagnosis is earlier than expected in life.
At Younger People With Dementia, we provide specialist support to younger people living with dementia, their families and carers. We are one of only a few dedicated services for young onset dementia in the South East of England.
When you take part, you're helping us continue that work.
Your challenge can make a difference
£15
TO REGISTER
£50
FUNDRAISING TARGET
Raise £25 and we'll send you a free YPWD fundraising t-shirt or vest. Raise the fundraising target of £50 and we will send you a thank you pack after the 24 days, including a personalised Advent Calendar Challenge medal.
You're joining a community
"This challenge has really held me accountable in the winter months when it's easy to let things slip, whilst raising funds for a charity who have been simply amazing to our family."
1-24 DECEMBER 2026
Ready to make December count?
24 days. Your challenge. Your way.
However you choose to take part, you can make a real difference to the lives of families affected by dementia earlier than expected in life.
Got a question?
Can I walk instead of run?
Absolutely! The challenge is designed to work for you. If you've chosen the 1 mile a day challenge, you can walk, jog, swim or cycle your mile each day.
What can I do for the 1-hour challenge?
Anything that matters to you! You could read, bake, create, garden, learn something new, listen to music, relax or simply spend some time being present. It's your hour, your way.
Do I have to complete my challenge every day?
The challenge runs from 1–24 December, so the aim is to take part each day. But don't worry if life gets in the way. The most important thing is getting involved and making December count.
Can I take part with friends or colleagues?
Yes! Taking part together can make the challenge even more enjoyable. You can encourage each other, share your progress and fundraise as a team. Each person must sign up seperately to be eligible to receive their free t-shirt and have a log in to access the virtual Advent Calendar.
Can I take part with children?
Yes. Children can take part alongside an adult, provided the activity is suitable for their age and abilities. Please make sure a parent or responsible adult oversees their participation.
How do I register?
Click the 'join the challenge' button on this page and you will be directed to the product page to sign up! The product will go into your basket and you can then pay the £15 registration fee to sign up.
How do I record my miles or hours?
You can keep track of your progress however works best for you. We provide each participant with resources, including a tracking sheet, to tick off each day as you complete it.
What happens after I raise £25?
Once you've raised £25, you'll be eligible to receive your free YPWD T-shirt or vest. We'll provide details on how to claim yours.
What happens after I sign up?
You will receive an email with details of how to set your fundraising page up, as well as access to our virtual advent calendar! Every day throughout December, you will receive an email to let you know that the next door has opened... with new content every day, and chances to win prizes. You will receive our fundraising resources including pre-written social media posts.
Where does my fundraising go?
Your fundraising helps Younger People with Dementia provide activity-based workshops, support and opportunities for younger people living with dementia and their families.
How do I fundraise?
After you sign up for the challenge, we will send you an email with details about how to create your Just Giving page, as well as tips and tricks to help raise funds. Just Giving is our recommended platform, however you are more than welcome to use your preferred choice. We will provide you with pre-written social media posts to help boost your fundraising, as well as a fundraising pack. We're here every step of the way to help support you!
What happens when the challenge finishes?
You will be able to open the last and final door on December 24th. The three people who raise the most money throughout the challenge win a prize each, but everybody taking part will receive a personalised medal and thank you pack!