Mr Thomas Walks 130 Miles for Dementia UK

We are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable efforts of Mr Phil Thomas, an Old Elizabethan and current member of staff at the QEH Junior School, who recently completed an extraordinary 130.7-mile walk from Ashton Gate Stadium to Loftus Road in London, raising money and awareness for Dementia UK.

Mr Thomas and his close friend, fellow Bristol City supporter Simon Jones, took on the six-day challenge as part of the Fans vs Dementia campaign. Their journey concluded on 12 April, just in time for City’s away fixture against Queens Park Rangers, and we are delighted to share that they have now successfully reached their fundraising target of £10,000.

This was not their first challenge in support of Dementia UK. Last season, the pair walked 53 miles to Cardiff City’s Stadium, raising £5,000 for the charity. This year, they decided to go even further—literally—opting for a scenic and challenging route that took them along the Avon and Kennet canal, through Reading, across to Slough, and finally into London via the Grand Union Canal.

Rather than take the direct 115-mile route along the M4, the pair embraced a longer, more picturesque path and planned to meet friends for a celebratory gathering before walking the final mile together to the stadium.

Dementia is a cause close to both of their hearts. Mr Thomas shared previously that his mother passed away from the illness last year, just before their first walk. Both he and Simon have spoken about the impact dementia has had on their families and their motivation to support others affected by the disease.

As a fitting recognition of their achievement, the duo were invited pitchside at Loftus Road for an interview before kick-off. They gained a standing ovation from all 4 sides of the stadium which was a truly heartwarming moment after this incredible challenge.

From everyone at QEH, we would like to offer our congratulations to Mr Thomas and Simon on their inspirational effort. It’s a shining example of compassion, resilience, and the strength of community—values we are proud to see embodied by our Old Elizabethans.

To support Dementia UK or learn more about their journey, visit their fundraising page by clicking the link here.