Fight dementia with a Sunday stroll in Gloucester

The people of Gloucester are taking steps to improve dementia services in the city this weekend, as they embark on a Memory Walk to raise money.

More than 200 people will walk up to 10 miles through Highnam Court on Sunday, in a bid to raise funds to fight the disease.

Participants can choose to set off on a one mile, five mile or 10 mile walk, strolling past the ornamental lakes and water gardens within the grounds of the 17th century house.

The event, organised by the Alzheimer’s Society, is one of dozens of Memory Walks taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

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People can attend the walks free of charge, and the money raised will help support carers and people with dementia in their areas.

Now in its 11th year, Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event, which sees walks taking place throughout September.

This year the event is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. Together, the two organisations aim to support more people living with dementia through the funds that are raised.

Alzheimer’s Society says £35 could support a person with dementia to receive a one hour befriending session with a volunteer, while £104 could allow callers from anywhere in the country to contact the national Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline each week at their local rate.

The Gloucester walks kick off on Sunday at 10.30am, and will be followed by entertainment including a falconry display, a brass band and a demonstration for the Society’s Singing for the Brain Service, where people living with dementia get together to sing songs.

A number of refreshments will also be available, from a BBQ to a tea room.

Online registration for the walk is now closed, but people can still sign up by turning up on the day before 11am.

Alzheimer’s Society’s Locality Manager Lorna Robertson said: “Memory Walk is a fantastic way to spend a Sunday. From a four-year-old to his 80-year-old gran, Memory Walk sees whole families coming together to fight dementia.

“Additionally an array of entertainment and refreshments will be available making it a day to remember for everyone who takes part.

“You can still come and sign up on the day, so I would really urge people to get their walking boots out and come and join us at Highnam Court this Sunday.”

One in three people over the age of 65 will die with dementia.

Symptoms of dementia include loss of memory, confusion and problems with speech and understanding.

Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse. How fast dementia progresses will depend on the individual person and what type of dementia they have.

Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 800,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia - more than half have Alzheimer’s disease.

In less than 10 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051, the research shows.

Alzheimer's Society supports people living with dementia, and funds research to find a cure. It relies on voluntary donations to continue its work.

To donate, call 0845 306 0898, or visit alzheimers.org.uk .

Alzheimer’s Society also provides a National Dementia Helpline, which can be contacted on 0845 300 0336.

To find out more about the Gloucester walk, including details of how to get to Highnam Court, click here.