People across Nottingham are today being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Nottingham Memory Walk at Wollaton Park this Saturday 7 September.
Vicky McClure, whose Nana had dementia, will be opening the event alongside five members of the acclaimed BBC programme Our Dementia Choir, including Ahmed Pochee.
Ahmed, 76, worked as a food technologist for 20 years before buying a hardware shop which he ran for 10 years before retiring in 2013. Ahmed was diagnosed with mixed dementia (vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease) in 2016. He has short term memory loss as a result of his dementia, which can be frustrating at times, but is physically very well and able to drive. Ahmed will be opening the event with fellow choir members Betty, Chris, John and Bernard, and will then walk alongside Vicky.
The group are urging people to register for the Memory Walk event to help the charity raise money to improve the lives of people affected by the disease, fund research and provide support. Alzheimer’s Society has pledged to invest £150 million in the next decade to search for better treatments and work towards a cure for dementia.
Ahmed Pochee said:
“I’m really looking forward to opening the Nottingham Memory Walk with Vicky and some of our Dementia Choir family. It’s wonderful that so many people have already signed up to join the walk, raising vital funds to help beat dementia. It is so important that we all come together to fight this disease – I hope even more people sign up to walk and sing with us on Saturday.”
Vicky McClure said:
“Nottingham Memory Walk holds a special place in my heart and I’m absolutely thrilled that members of Our Dementia Choir will be there to open the event with me this year. It’s always incredible to see so many people uniting against dementia and it’s an opportunity for me to celebrate the life of my Nana Iris too.
“Dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding. Every penny raised through Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society improve care, find a cure, and support people affected by dementia. I urge you all to sign up to Memory Walk, donate and walk with us this Saturday”.
Steve Hampson, Head of Region at Alzheimer’s Society, added:
“We are absolutely delighted that Vicky and members of the choir will be with us at the Nottingham Memory Walk this Saturday.
“Across Nottinghamshire, around 10,000 people are living with dementia and in the hour-and-a-half it takes to complete your average Memory Walk, 30 people will develop dementia in the UK. Please sign up to Memory Walk and help raise vital funds for dementia research.”
Vicky and the choir are urging supporters to follow suit and walk with them on Saturday. To sign-up, please visit: memorywalk.org.uk. Deadline for entry is this Thursday 5 September at midday.