A wave of blue washed over Potter’s Field Park as over a thousand walkers came together to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society to help to fund vital dementia support and groundbreaking research.
Joining the event in London at the weekend were Alzheimer’s Society Ambassadors Ruth Langsford and Gareth Locke-Locke. This was Ruth’s 15th Memory Walk, as the TV Presenter walked for her mum Joan who is living with Alzheimer’s disease and in memory of her dad Dennis. It was the second Memory Walk for Made in Chelsea star and Businessman Gareth, who walked for his mother Margaret who is living with early-onset dementia.
Ruth said: “The feelings you come away with from this event never get old. I find it so uplifting and I’m inspired by everyone coming together.”
People taking part completed either a short 2km route or a longer 5km route which took them further along the Thames and around the city.
Ruth said: “I chatted to so many people along the walk and was moved to hear their experiences with dementia and reasons for taking part. It reinforced for me how important it is to share our stories – it’s so difficult to watch someone you love fade away, and incredible to hear about the difference support can make.”
Gareth Locke-Locke walked for his mother, Margaret, who was diagnosed with dementia aged just 54.
Gareth said: “My wonderful mum is living with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease and it still breaks my heart every day. It was moving to join so many others thinking of loved ones with dementia while they walked.
“I would like to say a massive thank you to every single person who came together to help in the fight against dementia.”
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. London Memory Walk brought together people carers, people living with dementia, volunteers, fundraisers and Alzheimer’s Society staff who all have a role to play in tackling the biggest health crisis of our time. There are currently around a million people living with the condition, including an estimated 87,000 in London with thousands more caring for someone with dementia.
Kelly Magness, Alzheimer’s Society’s Regional Manager, said: “London Memory Walk at the weekend was incredibly moving, atmospheric and inspiring[SB2] – by taking part our incredible supporters are a real force for change.
“It will take a society to beat dementia and Memory Walk show what society in action looks like. Everyone who walks, donates or supports is part of the fight to beat dementia.”
For help and support, call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456. Join the campaign to end the devastation caused by dementia alzheimersociety.org.uk/campaign
