A wave of Alzheimer’s Society fundraisers turned Wollaton Park, Nottingham blue on Saturday 7 October 2023 at the charity’s Memory Walk, to help end the devastation caused by dementia.
TV star and BAFTA award-winning actor Vicky McClure MBE was joined by actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness and members of Our Dementia Choir for the walk.
The walk has already raised over £93,000 with more funds expected to come in over the coming weeks, with the charity predicting the final figure could be much higher.
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 family-friendly sponsored walks going towards funding crucial research and supporting people living with dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times.
Vicky McClure, who is well-known for her roles in ITV’s Trigger Point and BBC’s Line of Duty, is an Ambassador for the charity and formed Our Dementia Choir in 2019.
She walked in memory of her grandmother, Iris, who passed away in 2015 from dementia.
Vicky said: “The atmosphere at today’s Memory Walk was absolutely electric. So good to be back at Wollaton Park, one of my favourite ever places, to unite with hundreds of others who have all been affected by dementia in similar ways. Everyone here just gets it and we have been supporting one another every step of the way.
“One in three of us will develop dementia in our lifetime. That’s a scarily high statistic and the more we can do to help Alzheimer’s Society provide help and hope to thousands of people through their vital support services and world-class research, the better.”
Discussing her personal connection to the cause, Vicky also touched on the selflessness of those who care for someone living with dementia.
She continued: “This year I walked for my Nana. I also walked for every member of Our Dementia Choir, past and present, and I walked for carers everywhere.
“The caring community is what keeps everybody going and I want to wave a massive flag to every single carer, whether you are a family member, an employee of a care home, a neighbour, a friend, or a volunteer, whatever it is you do to help people live well with dementia, to say a huge thank you.”
Vicky was also joined on the day by Top Gear presenter and close friend Paddy McGuinness. Paddy said: “What a turnout! So many amazing people here for such an amazing cause.
“The more people that take part in events like this the better, because it just raises such incredible awareness for everyone affected by dementia.”
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.
Photo 1: Nottingham Memory Walkers feeling the love for people affected by dementia with Vicky McClure MBE
Photo 2: Vicky McClure MBE and Paddy McGuiness at the finish line.