I’m doing this Memory Walk for my wee gran
The first of 20 walks being held around the country takes place this Saturday at Mi l n g a v i e Wa t e r Wo r k s in East Dunbartonshire.
We’ve been telling you all about the great work that Alzheimer Scotland does thanks to fundraising from Memory Walks – and Sunday Post readers have responded brilliantly by signing up in huge numbers.
Sign- ups have increased by 40% on last year and there is still plenty of time to show your support for a Memory Walk near you between now and the final event on October 1.
Caitlin Mooney has the distinction of not only taking part in the first walk at Milngavie but also being the 1000th sign-up.
She’s walking in memory of her gran, Doris Coyle, who passed away last June aged 84 after living with dementia for eight years.
The 22-year-old will take part with her mum Leonie, aunt Marguerite and the family dog, Finn.
“My gran was a great wee woman and very independent,” Caitlin smiled.
“When she was diagnosed with dementia, it was important to her to remain independent.
“My mum, aunt and uncle, along with carers, looked after her to make sure she could remain at home. I always try to see the bright side, so it wasn’t hard for me seeing my gran like that – I liked finding new ways to help her.
“We didn’t really know much about Alzheimer Scotland before but what happened spurred us on to do a Memory Walk last year and we’re really looking forward to doing it again.”
Student Caitlin is in her fourth year of a digital art course at the University of the West of Scotland and has put her skills to good use, helping Alzheimer Scotland with a social media campaign and producing animation for the charity. Student Caitlin Mooney is taking part in a Memory Walk with family dog, Finn. She added: “Roughly 90% of my “We need thousands of people to walk university projects are about Alzheimer with us to challenge dementia once and Scotland and I’m hoping to begin a for all. project this year using virtual reality “Our Memory Walks bring together headsets to spark memories in people people from communities across with dementia.” Scotland to share and celebrate someone
Catherine Thomas, head of special. fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland, is “From small children to grandparents delighted with the response so far. and the beloved pet dog, Memory Walks
“We have been thrilled with the see whole families coming together to numbers of people who have been help support dementia. signing up to our Memor y Walk “There’s still plenty of time to sign up programme this year,” she said. to one of our 20 walks up and down the
“Together with The Sunday Post country which will help us to challenge readers we have already surpassed the dementia, celebrate loved ones and 1000th sign- up to help raise vital funds enjoy a fantastic day out in the beautiful for dementia. Scottish outdoors.”