Thank you for the Memories, the walks and the £300,000
Thousands help charity smash fundraising goal
After 23 million collective steps were taken by more than 3500 walkers, another record- breaking Memory Walks campaign has come to an end.
The Sunday Post has been proud to be media partners with Alzheimer Scotland for a second year, and the charity is on course to break through their target of raising £300,000.
It is the biggest amount of money and highest number of participants Memory Walks has ever had in Scotland.
There were 15 walks, from the Highlands to the Borders, as young and old took part to help make sure no one faced dementia alone.
Jennifer Honeyman participated in one of the biggest walks, at Dalkeith, alongside her sister Elaine McKay and a number of family and friends.
“Mum was diagnosed 10 years ago and it was a really hard time,” Jennifer said.
“Until you go through it, you don’t realise just how many people it affects, so that’s why we were keen to show our support.”
Great-grandmother Janet, or Nettie as she was better known, passed away three years ago, having lived with Alzheimer’s for seven years.
By 2020 there will be more than one million people living with dementia in the UK. It is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society.
Anna Devine, director of fundraising and marketing at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “I am thrilled people stepped out in their thousands to help improve the lives of people living with the condition during World Alzheimer’s Month.
“Ever y penny raised will help Alzheimer Scotland provide information and support, improve care and help safeguard key services including dementia cafes, gardening and reminiscence groups, dementia advisers and all our resource centres.
“I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has made this year’s Memory Walk series a great success and for helping us to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.
“That includes our wonderful volunteers and everyone who has walked and fundraised. I also extend our thanks to our partners at Iceland and The Sunday Post.”
If you have any questions about dementia or services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24- hour helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit www.alzscot.org