Award-winning actress, comedian and writer Meera Syal is to open the London Memory Walk on 5th September. The Walk is the Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event, and Meera is calling for others to sign up and walk for a world without dementia too. As well as the main walk in London, there are several others around the country.
Meera said: “I’m walking for a close family member living with dementia and for all of my friends whose loved ones have been affected by this cruel condition. As a family, we’ve received invaluable support from Alzheimer’s Society, so I’m really looking forward to taking part in their London Memory Walk. Join me or sign up to a Memory Walk near you and walk for a world without dementia.”
More than 72,000 people are living with dementia across London. Across the UK there are currently 850,000 people with dementia and 250,000 are expected to develop the condition this year: that’s one every three minutes. Last year’s London events raised over £170,000.
Julian Lloyd, Alzheimer’s Society Regional Operations Manager for London, said: “Our Memory Walk last year showed the great community spirit that exists here in London. We hope people will be more determined than ever in signing up this year to raise vital funds for research and services to support those affected by dementia. The Alzheimer’s Society provides a wide range of support services in London for people affected by dementia. These include Dementia Support Workers, Singing For The Brain Music Sessions and Dementia Cafes.
“This is the first time London Memory Walk will take place around the historic Tower of London. It is a great opportunity for people to come together, celebrate someone special, share their experiences and join the fight against dementia.”
•For more information on the Memory Walk and on dementia in general, go to: www.memorywalk.org.uk
[Adverts]