The Alzheimer’s Society is calling on families, friends, colleagues, and four-legged friends in Croydon to unite against dementia by taking part in London Memory Walk.

For the first time, there are two walks taking place in London this year. There is a day walk this tomorrow at the Honourable Artillery Company Grounds at 11am. And there will be a night walk at the Olympic Park from 8pm on Saturday October 14.

Hazel Ward, who lives in Croydon, took part in the Kent Memory Walk last Saturday, in memory of her grandmother, Patricia Cowell, who died three years ago.

Hazel said: “I believe dementia is not as well-funded as other conditions. If we support charity events such as Memory Walk we can help raise awareness and improve the lives of people living with dementia.

“My beloved grandma passed away three years ago so I was walking in her memory. She lived with dementia for 12 years before she passed away and it had a huge impact on our whole family. We have always wondered how different things could have been if there was a cure.

“Memory Walk is a fantastic event that helps raise awareness and vital funds for research. It’s also a fun day that people of all ages and backgrounds can take part in. I walked with my three dogs Tinker, Smudgie and Tilly who loved the fuss and enjoyed the long walk.”

Last year’s London Memory Walk – attended by more than 4,200 people – raised more than £500,000 to help people living with the condition. Memory Walk aims to raise £9million nationally this year and bring together more than 110,000 walkers across the generations.

The Alzheimer’s Society says that someone develops dementia in the UK every three minutes. Of the top 10 causes of death, dementia is the only one we can’t prevent, cure or slow down, but funding of research is far too low.

Tim McLachlan, Alzheimer’s Society operations director for Greater London, said: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer. Dementia doesn’t discriminate, we all know, love or are someone affected by dementia.

“We are calling on family, friends – and furry four-legged supporters – to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win.

“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 urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.”

More than 1,000 supporters have already registered for next month’s night walk, which is staged and run entirely by volunteers. If you want to take part, raise sponsorship money, marshal the walkers on the night or take part in some other way, volunteer at memorywalk.org.uk

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