Ed Charter, 46, from West Bridgford, has been named a finalist in the Sports, Arts & Entertainment category of the 2026 Dimensions Leaders’ Awards after creating a weekly walking group for people living with dementia.
The awards, organised by Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit support provider for adults with learning disabilities and autistic people, celebrate people who are making a positive difference in society.
Ed trained as a swimming teacher and, in 2018, supported adults living with dementia through a funded dementia-friendly swimming programme in Nottingham involving Swim England and Alzheimer’s Society. He helped participants build confidence in the water while their carers had time for themselves.
When the programme’s funding ended, Ed wanted to keep giving people opportunities to exercise and spend time together. He set up a walking group that meets in West Bridgford on Wednesday mornings, with between three and six people regularly attending.
The group follows its walks with a hot drink and a chat, creating a regular opportunity for friendship and companionship.
Ed said:
“Originally, I started supporting those living with dementia in a swimming group as my amazing sister introduced me to it through the charity she worked for. It wasn’t fair that the funding stopped and I wanted to continue helping.
“I haven’t looked back since and though we don’t meet to swim we meet for a weekly walk then go for a hot drink and a chat. To them it’s great to have purpose and something regular and for me also as we are very much all friends now.”
Sport has also played a significant part in Ed’s own life. He won gold, silver, and bronze swimming medals at the Special Olympics in Glasgow in 2005. Since then, he has taken part in further swimming events, half marathons, two full marathons, four half-Ironman-distance races, and a 100km walking ultramarathon.
His volunteering has also included Ride To The Wall, Jumbo Runs, and triathlons.
Ed is autistic and has Klinefelter syndrome, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. He also experiences fatigue, while continuing to devote time to community activities.
The Dimensions Leaders’ Awards are nominated, judged, and presented by adults with learning disabilities and autistic people. The awards celebrate people who are making a positive difference through achievement, leadership, advocacy, and community action.
The winners will be announced at the Leaders’ Awards ceremony in Bristol on 20 October 2026. The event will also be livestreamed on Dimensions’ YouTube channel, allowing people to join the celebrations online.
For more information about the Leaders’ Awards, visit www.leaderaward.co.uk
