Walkers Unite Against Dementia

  Last Saturday marked a very special day in the North East when more than 5,000 people, many of them from Northumberland, joined forces to unite against dementia.

 
Memory Walk raised an estimated £362,000 for Alzheimer’s Society. But the event, which set off from Bents Park in South Shields, was about much more than just fundraising.
 
It was a unique opportunity for those whose lives have been affected by dementia to come together for an occasion that was as moving as it was spectacular.
 
The sight of thousands of people in bright blue Alzheimer’s Society T-shirts stepping out together was truly awe-inspiring.

Each and every one of them has a story to tell. They walked in memory of loved ones lost, or to pay tribute to family members or friends still with us.
 
And, of course, those currently living with the condition took part too, determined to show that life does not end when dementia begins.



There were 34 Memory Walks across the UK, and together they raised around £9m to help Alzheimer’s Society fund vital research into treatments and support for the 850,000 people across the UK who have the condition – 5,000 of them from Northumberland.
 
We are grateful to our celebrity supporters – including England’s 1966 World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst and Davina McCall – who officially launched walks.
 
Cutting the ribbon in South Shields on Saturday was former Emmerdale actor John Middleton, who won a BAFTA earlier this year for his brilliant portrayal of a vicar battling dementia in the popular TV soap.
 
If you were among those taking part, let me take this opportunity to thank you on behalf of everyone at Alzheimer’s Society.
 
Every step you took brought us that little bit closer to a world without dementia.
 
Ken Oxley is Media Officer for Alzheimer’s Society in the North East and Cumbria 
 

 
About Alzheimer's Society:

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2021, 1 million people will be living with the condition. This will soar to two million by 2051.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia and has committed to spend at least £150 million on research over the next decade. This includes a £50 million investment in the UK's first dedicated Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk  
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc
• Like us on Facebook
• Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety