A charity walk is set to return to Meadowhall this summer after a hugely successful debut event last year. 

The Red Shoe walk will take place on Sunday 2 August, bringing families, friends and supporters together to walk 2km and raise funds for dementia care. 

The event made a strong impression last year, attracting hundreds of participants and raising more than £10,000 for dementia services. Organisers hope to build on this success and make 2026 an even bigger event. 

Corinna Pearce, Marketing and Communications Officer at Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said: “The walk is inspired by one woman with dementia’s lifelong love of red shoes, a simple memory trigger that helps her connect with her past. 

“The event is designed to bring everyone together to reflect and connect, all while raising funds for dementia care.

“It will raise vital funds for people living with dementia.” 

Participants will take part in a new family friendly route around Meadowhall and are encouraged to wear red shoes as part of the event. 

Specialists say the colour red is unique in its ability to increase brain wave activity in people living with dementia. 

The event will be hosted by BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Ellie Colton, whose own family has been affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

Early bird tickets are now available, costing £5 for adults, £3 for children, while under-threes can attend for free. A family ticket for four is priced at £14.

Each ticket includes an exclusive Red Shoe Walk T-shirt, access to discounts at participating Meadowhall retailers and free rides at the Summer Beach Club once the walk has finished.

Beth Crackles, Chief Executive of Sheffield Hospitals Charity, said the charity was delighted to bring the event back for a second year.

She said: “We’re thrilled with how the first ever Red Shoe Walk brought our community together in solidarity and are beyond excited to bring it back for 2026.

“Our friends at Meadowhall are as determined as we are to make it even bigger and better this year. We hope to see you all there, walking together as a community to make a real difference for people living with dementia and their loved ones.”

Organisers are seeking stories from participants who will be walking in support of someone affected by dementia.

Registration for the event is open at 9am, with a warm-up at 9:30am and the race starting at 10am. 

Sign up for the Red Shoe Walk at: Sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk/red-shoe-walk