Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Thousands steps up for charity challenge
Supporters of a charity that supports people with one of the most devastating forms of dementia strode out to raise hundreds of thousands of pounds.
About 2,500 people took part in the Kent Memory Walk in Canterbury on Saturday, in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
It was the first major event of its kind held by the charity in the city and attracted a huge turnout at the University of Kent campus for the fundraiser, who took part in either 3k or 7k walks through the countryside.
Among them were Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield whose father was diagnosed with the illness in his early 60s.
It is one of the most destructive illnesses and set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer.
But there was an overwhelming sense of camaraderie among the 2,500 people who took part in the Kent Memory Walk in Canterbury on Saturday in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
It was the first major event of its kind held by the charity in the city and attracted a huge turnout at the University of Kent campus. People took part in either three- or seven-kilometre walks through the surrounding countryside.
They were led off on the route by an ambassador for the charity, Keith Oliver – former head teacher of Blean Primary School, who was forced to retire early seven years ago after being diagnosed with the illness.
He said: “It was very important to show how united we are against dementia. And for me it also marked a personal milestone.
“It is seven years since I first entered the memory clinic in Canterbury, which resulted three months later in a diagno- sis of Alzheimer’s, a week after my 56th birthday.
“I knew one door would close, but opening this new one has introduced me to my roles as Kent and Medway dementia envoy and Alzheimer’s Society ambassador and to meet some outstanding people working for the society, or receiving the services of the charity.
“The day raised much-needed funds so the society’s staff can continue to provide the levels of service we need and that we expect to need in the future.
“It was also for more than 21,000 of us with Alzheimer’s in Kent, and our loved ones, so that we can live as well as possible and be united against dementia.”
Organisers are hoping the walk could raise up to £400,000, surpassing the £309,000 raised at Leeds Castle last year.
Supporting the walkers and also taking part was Canterbury and Whitstable MP Rosie Duffield, whose father has the illness.
She said: “I joined the walk to help raise money for research towards a desperately needed