A wave of blue washed over Cassiobury Park as hundreds of Alzheimer's Society fundraisers walked to help end the devastation caused by dementia.
Joining the event in Watford at the weekend was award-winning personal trainer, wellness coach, best-selling author and Azheimer's Society Ambassador Lavina Mehta MBE, who saw her Nani, Kasturben Shah, struggle with with Alzheimer's disease for the last decade of her life.
Lavina said: "This was my first time attending a Memory Walk event. The memories will stay with me for some time, it was so moving yet uplifting to see everyone come together, supporting each other, all with the same goal to help make a difference with people living with dementia.
I was delighted to provide some 'exercise snacks', a term I use to describe short bouts of exercises that everyone can do to help increase their fitness, to get people moving and warmed up before the walk. I then joined everyone to complete the route."
Participants completed either a short 3.5km walk, which took them around the park or a longer 9km route which saw them venture into the ancient Whippendell Woods, winding through the woodland paths and up hills.
Lavina added: "I walk in memory of my Nani.
"Through my work I am passionate about raising awareness of dementia. The impact of staying active for people with dementia's quality of life and health is huge, with evidence to suggest that physical activity improves confidence and wellbeing and may slow down mental decline. My slogal is "to excercise for sanity not vanity".
What better way to support Alzheimer's Society, than getting together in the outdoors for some exercise."
There are around one million people living with dementia in the UK including more than 100,000 in the East of England, 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 £51,000 has been raised so far by those walking in Watford, helping to fund the charity's vital dementia support and groundbreaking research.
Judith King, Alzheimer's Society's Head of Services, said: "Memory Wak is 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 of those who took part in Watford, 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 ys are a lifeline. From a listening ear on the phone or a visit in person and opportunities to connect with others, we'll be there for you again and again, no matter what."
There's still time to organise your own Memory Walk throughout September, or find out more about taking part in an Alzheimer's Society walk next year, visit memorywalk.org.uk
Notes to editor
Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading dementia charity. We provide help and hope to everyone affected by dementia - past, present and future.
Dementia devastates lives, but it’s not an inevitable part of ageing. Research commissioned by Alzheimer’s Society shows that around a million people in the UK have a form of dementia. By 2040, 1.4 million people will be living with the condition in the UK, and many millions more carers, partners, families and friends affected.
Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime.
Too many face dementia alone. Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever they are, whatever they’re going through, they can turn to us for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step.
Alzheimer’s Society is the only UK dementia research charity to fund both biomedical and care research, funding research in dementia diagnosis, treatment and care, and is a founding partner of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
We will not rest until people living with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality.
Alzheimer’s Society offers friendly support through a range of virtual and in-person services, including our Dementia Support Line (0333 150 3456), our online Dementia Support Forum, and Dementia Advisers.
Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc and Like us on Facebook.
Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety
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