Hundreds unite against dementia at Plymouth Memory Walk

Mary
Authored by Mary
Posted: Monday, September 2, 2019 - 10:59

Around 700 people joined forces today (Sunday 1 September) to unite against dementia at Plymouth Memory Walk.

68-year-old Sarah Redford, from Saltash, who volunteered at this year’s event and whose grandmother and mother both had dementia, cut the ribbon to start Alzheimer’s Society’s Plymouth Memory Walk.

Teresa Parsons, Alzheimer’s Society Services Manager for Plymouth, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes - yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding. 

“I am so glad that hundreds of people from across Plymouth, and the surrounding area, united against dementia to improve the lives of people living with the condition.

“Dementia devastates lives; it slowly strips people of their memories, relationships and identities. Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

“Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research to improve care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Memory Walk such a brilliant success.”

Sarah Redford added: “I took part in Memory Walk two years ago and volunteered last year. Dementia has affected my family quite considerably, so it is a cause close to my heart. My grandmother and mother both had dementia. My aunt, who is 93, has it and my younger sister, who will be 66 in October was diagnosed at the age of 59 and is now in a nursing home.

“The camaraderie on Memory Walks is absolutely amazing as everyone has seen someone affected by this terrible condition.”

Memory Walks are taking place up and down the country this month and next, or people can organise one of their own. To find out more about the remaining walks and Your Walk, Your Way, go to memorywalk.org.uk