Families across Dumfries and Galloway are being called upon to make their mark for dementia by taking part in the Alzheimer Scotland Dumfries Memory Walk on Sunday the 23rd of September – to help make sure nobody faces dementia alone across the region.
The Dumfries Memory Walk will take place at the Dock Park with registration and sign-ups beginning at 12 noon, and the walk itself starting at 1PM. Last year’s event saw over 120 participants, and with this year’s walk having received the highest number of pre-registered walkers the region has ever saw, it looks set to be a fantastic day. There will be a warm-up by local fitness instructor, Fairy Bodmother, and children’s activities provided by local company, Events Vision. The routes are dog, wheelchair and pram friendly.
Heather Watt, of Dumfries, will put her best foot forward at the Memory Walk taking place at the Dock Park, in memory of her parents, Helen and Irvine Tait. The grandmother of five will take part in Sunday’s walk, marking her third-year participating and walking to support the work of Alzheimer Scotland in the local community.
The 56-year-old who works in the local Tesco Extra will take part this year with extra poignance, having lost her dad to the illness earlier this summer. Heather says: “I’ll be walking this year in memory of my amazing mum and dad. We lost my angel mum in 2016 and lost my hero dad just over six weeks ago. They are together again after battling dementia, they are my inspiration for walking and for everyone living with dementia.
“This year I am hoping to take part with my friend who is a volunteer and who is very supportive to me and Alzheimer Scotland. I’m looking forward to the feeling of togetherness at the walk as everyone is there for the same great cause. I will be thinking of my amazing parents every step of the way and for everyone else living with dementia.”
Alzheimer Scotland’s Chief Executive, Henry Simmons, added: “Our Memory Walks are a great way for supporters to raise vital funds with family and friends. Every penny raised will go towards our vision – ensuring that nobody faces dementia alone. Our localities across Scotland are committed to providing the best possible care, support and information for everyone living with dementia, as well as making sure that people with dementia and their carers are recognised and valued in their local communities. Every step you take will help us to make a difference.”
The Dumfries Memory Walk will take place at Dock Park on 23 September with registration beginning at 12 noon, and the walk itself starting at 1PM. With this year’s walk having received the highest number of pre-registered participants the region has ever saw, it looks set to be a fantastic day. There will be a warm-up by local fitness instructor, Fairy Bodmother, and children’s activities provided by local company, Events Vision. The routes are dog, wheelchair and pram friendly.
Dementia is Scotland’s biggest public health issue. There are around 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and it is now estimated that 20,000 people will be diagnosed with the condition every year by 2020. If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24 Hour Helpline on 0808 808 3000.
