Actor and comedian Meera Syal joined thousands of Alzheimer’s Society fundraisers who turned London blue this weekend at the charity’s Memory Walk, to help provide help and hope to everyone living with dementia.
Yesterday (8 October), Meera stepped out with walkers at the event at Potters Field in London, to help Alzheimer’s Society bid to stop the devastation caused by dementia.
Money raised from the 2-10km sponsored walks go towards funding crucial research, faster diagnosis and supporting people living with dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times.
Speaking about her connection to the cause, BAFTA Fellowship awardee Meera Syal CBE said: “I became an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador in 2013 after my father was diagnosed with dementia.
“Sadly, my mum was very recently also diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called PSP. Although both my parents have passed now, I and my brother’s family cared for both of them for over a decade, so we know only too well what a devastating effect this disease has on carers and those living with it. In fact, one in three of us born today will go on to develop dementia in our lifetimes, which is a frightening statistic.
“But we also know what support and empathy there is out there. We were blessed with finding a wonderful Dementia Friend called Shirley who sat with us at our mum’s bedside in hospital for a long, painful month. It turned out that she got involved because she happened to watch the film I presented, encouraging people to train to become Dementia friends.
“It was such a wonderful example of how kindness can breed kindness and the community of help that is out there if you know where to look. And we are delighted that we are walking with Shirley today in tribute to her parents and mine.”
Meera continued: “With this in mind, I laced up my trainers and walked in London today in honour of everyone who has been affected by dementia.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, with one in three people born in the UK today going on to develop the condition in their lifetime.
Alzheimer’s Society is vowing to help stop the devastation caused by dementia, with money raised from the 2-10km sponsored walks going towards funding crucial research, faster diagnosis and supporting people living with dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times.
Today’s event, along with a simultaneous walk in Manchester, was the last in a series of 24 walks which took place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Alzheimer’s Society is still encouraging people to sign up to organise their own walk at a time and place of their choosing by visiting its website.
Kate Lee, CEO of Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It was incredibly powerful to see so many people coming together this weekend. Every step taken will make such a difference to people living with dementia and their families.
“One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime, but no one should face dementia alone. Memory Walks are a brilliant opportunity to gather your support network to celebrate and remember all those who have been devastated by dementia, helping us raise funds towards vital research, faster diagnosis, and support services which are so crucial to so many.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Memory Walks such a brilliant success.”
Alzheimer’s Society vows to end the devastation caused by dementia, providing help and hope for everyone affected. For more information or to make a donation, visit alzheimers.org.uk.
