Hundreds go the extra mile at Alzheimer’s Society’s Leicester Memory Walk

A wave of blue washed over Abbey Park as hundreds of Alzheimer’s Society fundraisers walked to help end the devastation caused by dementia.

Joining the event in Leicester at the weekend was Gary Marsden, who put his career on hold to help care for his dad Bill when he was diagnosed with vascular dementia four years ago.

Participants completed either a short 2.5km gentle stroll around Abbey Park or a longer 6.5km route along the banks of the River Soar and past the National Space Centre.

Gary, who completed the 6.5km route, said: “Dad was an engineer, and a fantastic person. He has 15 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and they adore him, then four years ago he was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

“He went into a care home a year ago and now he can’t remember me or his wife, my mum. Sometimes when you walk into the room he’s just blank. It’s really tough emotionally.

“When dad first went into the care home they had an Elvis morning. Dad – who has always hated Elvis – got up and started wiggling his hips and pretending to be Elvis, much to the amusement of the staff. The people taking part in Leicester Memory Walk were either thinking about their family’s Elvis moment, or mourning what they have lost to dementia. I think it’s important to keep thinking about the good times.”

Cutting the ribbon to start the walk was Rakesh Veja of Thaliwal and Veja Solicitors. The firm have raised £3,000 for Alzheimer’s Society so far this year.

Rakesh said: “I am honoured to be starting Leicester Memory Walk on behalf of Thaliwal and Veja Solicitors. We work with and represent people with dementia every day in order to try and better their lives – currently over 75% of our clients are living with dementia. The majority of our team are Dementia Friends, and we are committed to raising awareness of dementia throughout the Leicester Business community. Our aim is to raise £6,000 for Alzheimer’s Society by the end of the year.”

There are around one million people living with dementia in the UK including 74,000 in the East Midlands, and Alzheimer’s Society says thousands of people are facing the realities alone, without access to vital support.

Alzheimer’s Society provides help and advice for anyone affected by dementia through its support line, online and print information, expert Dementia Advisers and online community.

More than £45,800 has been raised so far by those walking in Leicester, helping to fund the charity’s vital dementia support and groundbreaking research.
Natasha Mort, Alzheimer’s Society’s Regional Manager, said: “Memory Walk is such a special event in our calendar, bringing people together to walk in memory or in celebration of loved ones.

“We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers and thank all those who took part in Leicester, as with every step and pound raised will make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia.

“Alzheimer’s Society is here for everyone affected by dementia through our support services which people tell us are a lifeline. From a listening ear on the phone to a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we’ll be there for you again and again and again, no matter what.”

There’s still time to organise your own Memory Walk throughout September or to find out more about taking part in an Alzheimer’s Society walk next year, visit memorywalk.org.uk