Dad made a hit BBC gameshow, then Alzheimer's stole his words—now I am walking Glasgow for him

A Milngavie woman whose dad created a hit BBC gameshow is set to take part in a fundraising walk to pay tribute to those with dementia.

Lesley Kinnaird, 57, is a fitness studio owner and personal trainer. She is taking part in the Glasgow Memory Walk for her dad Bryan Mitchell who passed away in 2022 aged 84, three years after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Bryan worked at the BBC Scotland as head of finance and even introduced the corporation’s first ever computer systems. But he is best known as the creator of the gameshow Catchword which ran for 10 years from 1985 on BBC1 Scotland and BBC2, hosted by Gyles Brandreth, and later by Paul Coia.

Mum-of-one Lesley said: “My dad Bryan was an amazing, clever, caring man who loved his family and loved being around people.

“He was always making things, and became an expert in computing just as the first machines were being built. He was very proud to have created the gameshow Catchword and to see it on the BBC for many years.”

The walk will also be a chance to remember her twin sister Julie, who tragically died while out walking near Fintry in 2024 aged just 55. The pair shared a love of the outdoors with their dad.

Lesley said: “Dad was a very active person and would often take me and my sister Julie skiing in Glencoe in all weathers, or around various golf courses. He was just a wonderful dad.

“It was devastating for the whole family when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, and to see him gradually lose his ability to hold a conversation. Me, my sister, and stepmum Izzy all worked together to look after him and we made the most of the time we had with him. We still miss him every day.

“I wanted to sign up to Alzheimer Scotland’s Glasgow Memory Walk to raise money and awareness for a charity that’s very close to my heart.

“It’s a way to remember dad, and also my sister, and I hope that the money raised can help other families like mine affected by dementia.”

People across the west of Scotland are being encouraged to book their place for Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk 2026 on Sunday, 25 October.

Those joining the event at Crownpoint Sports Complex in the city’s east end can walk in memory of loved ones affected by the illness while also raising vital funds to support dementia care, research and improvements in brain health.

The Glasgow event is one of a series of memory walks taking place across Scotland in 2026.

Kirsty Stewart, Alzheimer Scotland’s Director of Fundraising and Operations, said: “Glasgow has always been a city that gets behind people and causes that matter, and the Glasgow Memory Walk is a wonderful example of that. The sense of community it creates is what makes the event so special year after year.

“People take part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walks for lots of different reasons, but the one thing that unites everyone is a shared commitment to raise awareness of a condition that affects so many families across Scotland.

“It's about supporting one another and showing that nobody needs to face dementia alone.

“The Memory Walk series is one of Alzheimer Scotland's most important fundraising initiatives, taking place in communities across the country throughout the autumn.

“Every pound raised stays in Scotland, helping Alzheimer Scotland stand alongside people living with dementia, their families and carers, providing support, connection and advice in communities right across the country.

“We are hugely grateful to everyone taking part and look forward to welcoming our Glasgow supporters to Crownpoint Sports Complex for what promises to be a fantastic day of community, fundraising and support.”

Those looking to take part can sign up here.