To mark the launch of the paperback of The Silent Killer, which features a senior policeman in the first stages of Early Onset Dementia, I wanted to do something to help raise money for Alzheimer's Research, who have helped me with my own research.

It's a wonderful charity that is seeking to find a cure for the disease which is now the country's biggest killer. If the rates of this pernicious disease keep increasing as they have, one in two of us will be affected by 2030, either by caring for someone with the condition or suffering ourselves – or in the worst case scenario, both. The effects on all concerned can be devastating.

I'll be doing a week-long sponsored walk covering six bookshops and 75 miles, starting at Forum Books in Corbridge on February 21 and ending at Drake the Bookshop in Stockton on February 28. In between I'll also be visiting Waterstones in Newcastle and Sunderland, Featherbed Books in Houghton le Spring and Waterstones in Durham.

I'll update the details of the walk if anything changes so that if anyone wants to join me at any stage they can. Just message me on here if you're interested. I will write a daily blog to keep you informed of my progress.

Friday 21st February 7 pm Launch night at Forum Books, Corbridge.

I'll be talking about the book and the walk with Robert Scragg. Tickets here: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/forumbooks

Ticket prices include a donation to Alzheimer's Research which Forum Books have generously agreed to match so please come if you can!

TICKET PRICES INCLUDE A DONATION TO ALZHEIMER'S RESEARCH WHICH FORUM BOOKS HAVE GENEROUSLY AGREED TO MATCH SO PLEASE COME IF YOU CAN!

Saturday 22nd February Walk 10 miles to Heddon-on-the-Wall via Wall/Military Rd

Sunday 23rd February Walk 10 miles to Newcastle Waterstones

2pm Waterstones Newcastle public signing

Monday 24th February Walk 12 miles to Sunderland

3pm Waterstones Sunderland public signing

Tuesday 25th February Walk 9 miles to Featherbed Books, Houghton-le-Spring

5:30pm Featherbed Books public signing

6:30-8pm Featherbed Books Book Club

Wednesday 26th February Walk 10 miles to Waterstones Durham

3pm Waterstones Durham stock singing

Thursday 27th February The Silent Killer paperback publication day! Walk 15 miles to Sedgefield

Friday 28th February Walk to Drake the Bookshop, Stockton 10 miles

7pm Drake the Bookshop Final event, talking about The Silent Killer (probably with my feet up!) Tickets here: https://www.drakethebookshop.co.uk/events/