Since being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2021, rugby league legend Royce Simmons has turned his personal battle into a mission to find a cure for dementia. In 2022, he launched the inaugural Royce’s Big Walk, trekking 300 kilometres from Gooloogong to Penrith and raising significant funds for dementia research and awareness.
What began as a single fundraising event quickly became an annual movement. Royce has since completed walks from Dubbo to Bathurst in 2023, continued the campaign in 2024 around Sydney, and walked from Penrith to Mudgee in 2025.
Along the way, thousands of supporters, local communities, rugby league legends and business partners have rallied behind the cause.
This year, Royce Simmons will embark on the Big Walk 2026 from Gilgandra to Cowra.
On Monday, August 24, Rugby League Legend Royce Sommins set off from Gilgandra on the first leg of his 12 day, Big Walk for 2026.
A fundraising Dinner for Royce was cancelled due to unforeseen circumstance but everyone is invited to pop down to the Coachman Hotel Motel on Saturday night 29 August to meet Royce and his fellow walkers. Donations can be made on the website: https://donate.roycesimmonsfoundation.com.au/register/fundraise