Walk your own way to beat dementia

Mary Youlden
Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted Sunday, August 23, 2020 - 12:10am

TV presenter and Alzheimer’s Society supporter Ruth Langsford is urging people across the South West to step out in support of the charity. 

The UK’s leading dementia charity is calling on 3,112 people across the region – a combined number that attended last year’s Memory Walks in Bristol, Cheltenham, Plymouth and Bournemouth – to take part in a very different version of its most popular fundraiser.

With the Coronavirus pandemic bringing large fundraising events to a halt, the charity is seeking to replicate 2019’s success with hundreds of smaller walks.

For Ruth, who each year joins thousands walking to beat dementia, it will be a much quieter affair for her and her rescue dog Maggie. 

Encouraging others to sign up and create their own walk, the ITV presenter, best known for presenting This Morning and Loose Women, said: “I’ve taken part in Memory Walks for the past nine years. I’ve walked with my mum, with Jack, with friends and for the last eight years with Maggie, my rescue dog. 

“At every one I’ve witnessed first-hand how inspirational and uplifting it is to join together and walk for a world without dementia

“This is such a difficult time for everyone and like so many of you, I know people affected by dementia and their carers who, due to social isolation, are being cut off from support networks and personal contact during the coronavirus crisis.

“Alzheimer's Society provides essential support to those who need it most and have already adapted most face-to-face services to telephone-based assistance.

“That is why I am asking you to sign up to Memory Walk this autumn, help us help those people who are already at heightened risk of social isolation and loneliness - feel more connected.

I really hope you can get involved so we can raise the funds needed for everyone we love.”

The charity expects many of its supporters will arrange walks to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day on 20 September. However, it stresses that walks can take place any time between now and October. 

Marion Child, Head of Region for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “With so many families and friends having to spend time apart during lockdown, this could provide a wonderful opportunity for long-awaited reunions of small groups, in line with latest government guidelines.

“People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus, not just in terms of deaths - our survey found shocking levels of decline, as dementia symptoms increase since people have had to stay isolated in their homes.

“More than half a million people have used Alzheimer’s Society’s support services since to start of the pandemic, with many calling them a lifeline.

“Our trained staff have taken thousands of calls to our Dementia Connect Support Line and as our face-to-face and group services remain suspended, we’ve reached out to those in need through welfare and companion calls, making more than 100,000 of these so far. 

“Like many charities Alzheimer’s Society has been badly hit financially despite its services being in more need than ever before.

“This is why it has never been more important to raise money to help us reach and support more people through our vital services.”

This year’s Santander-sponsored Memory Walk is free to sign up, where people will find support to organise their own walk. People may choose to walk alone, with members of their household or another household - in line with latest government guidelines.

Sign up now at memorywalk.org.uk and with every step, you’ll help change the lives of people affected by dementia.

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