A wave of blue washed over Wollaton Park as more than 1,200 walkers came together to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society to help to fund vital dementia support and groundbreaking research.
Joining the event on Saturday 11 October, for the fourteenth time, was BAFTA award-winning actor and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Vicky McClure MBE.
Walking in memory of her Nana Iris, Nana Jean, Grandad Ralph and all ‘Our Dementia Choir’ members, Vicky said: “The sense of togetherness you get from this event is very special. I always look forward to Memory Walk as the atmosphere is full of understanding, love and music!
“It was great to walk side-by-side, sharing experiences along the way with others affected by dementia. No-one should face dementia alone.
“I walked not only for my grandparents’ past, but also in support of the wonderful singers and carers of ‘Our Dementia Choir’ past and present who are a constant source of joy and inspiration.
“I’m proud to support the amazing work that Alzheimer’s Society does, funding research and helping people through some of the hardest and most frightening times by providing services that are such a lifeline for people living with dementia and their carers.”
On arrival, walkers were treated to a live performance from Vicky McClure’s ‘Our Dementia Choir’ together with local children from Banks Road Primary School who are learning all about dementia and how to become dementia friendly.
Joining the Memory Walk in Nottingham at the weekend was Ella Hendry (22) who was walking in memory of her grandad. Ella said: “Sadly, my grandad passed away from this awful disease during the pandemic, which was incredibly hard for me and my family. When I saw that Alzheimer’s Society was hosting a Memory Walk in Nottingham, I knew straight away that I wanted to get involved and raise money to make sure that other families have access to the best help and support when a loved one is diagnosed with dementia. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandad and I’m so glad that I got to walk today with my child to celebrate and remember my grandad’s life.”
People taking part completed either a short 2km stroll around the lake or a 6km route, taking them around more of the park including grass and woodland paths.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Nottingham 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 74,000 in the East Midlands with thousands more caring for someone with dementia.
Alzheimer’s Society hoped to raise more than £200,000 through the fundraising and donations made by walkers in Nottingham. The money raised will help people affected by dementia to support them through the hardest and most frightening times.
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