Take steps to support walk for memories (From York Press)
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Sign up for the York Memory Walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Society
7:56am Wednesday 25th July 2012 in News
By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk
Promoting the Memory Walk at York Racecourse are jockey David Simmonson, riding racehorse Hernando Torres, led by Alzheimer's Society community fundraiser Julie Lee, and watched by, from left, Jenny and Tony Neal with Brian and Ann Jackson
A CHARITY walk to support people with Alzheimer’s disease and their families has been launched in York.
People are invited to sign up to the York Memory Walk on September 23, which features two distances – a one-mile fully-accessible route and a six-mile option threading through York centre, taking in the Minster and gardens.
The fundraising event for the Alzheimer’s Society is being supported by Sheriff Hutton racehorse trainer Mick Easterby and son Dave, who loaned his horse Hernando Torres, accompanied by jockey David Simmonson, to launch the event.
Among participants to have already been signed up is Ann Jackson, 66, of Springfield Road, Poppleton , who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just over a year ago after starting to have problems with short term memory.
Her husband Brian, who is also planning to do the walk, said: “Ann spent many years working with figures but now has serious problems understanding numbers.
“She also started having trouble remembering the names of some friends. Sewing and dress making, hobbies she used to love, are no longer possible ‘’We go to the Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain Group – that’s absolutely brilliant and of great help.”
Ju Lee, Alzheimer’s Society community fundraiser, said: “York Memory Walk is vital in raising funds and awareness to help people with dementia. It’s an opportunity for all the family to be involved from eight to 80 years and more.
“All generations can take part from mums and dads to grandchildren and grandparents, which reflects the reality that when one person has dementia there is a big impact on the whole family – it affects everyone.”
Almost 12,000 people in York and North Yorkshire are living with dementia and services provided by the Alzheimer’s Society in the city include three memory cafes, one-to-one support and information, as well as courses to help carers.
To sign up for the event visit memorywalk.org.uk
