Harefield Gazette

Alzheimer’s Society is needed more than ever

- Linda O’Sullivan

EVERY Autumn, Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk events across the UK see thousands of people come together to raise money to help defeat dementia.

Sadly, this year, coronaviru­s meant we had to cancel the largescale events we all know and love. Instead, we asked people to step out and support us by doing their own personal walks, from July to October, in line with government guidelines.

We’ve been overwhelme­d by the enthusiasm and generosity of 2,498 supporters across the South East who signed up and helped raise over £1.2 million for Alzheimer’s Society.

We want to say a big thank you to everyone who took part in Memory Walk this year and made a difference to people affected by dementia.

The pandemic has hit people with dementia the hardest, with many of the 850,000 people living with the condition experienci­ng crippling loneliness and confusion by losing their much-needed routines. Thousands of carers are facing care home visitor bans or are struggling to get a break.

Our services have been used over 2 million times since lockdown began, showing people need us more than ever. But we’re facing a significan­t loss of fundraisin­g income because of coronaviru­s.

As Memory Walk season ends, please consider donating to our Coronaviru­s Appeal or join one of our next fundraisin­g events, like Elf Day on Friday 4 December or any date that suits you. Sign up for a free fundraisin­g pack at alzheimers.org. uk/ElfDay.

Alzheimer’s Society Head of Region for South East England

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