Guest Blog written by Alzheimer’s Society
People across Surrey are being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk at Painshill Park, Cobham, on 26 September.
TV Presenter and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Ruth Langsford who lost her dad, Dennis, to dementia, will be joining the walk at the stunning 18th Century landscape garden and is encouraging others to do the same.
Langsford, presenter of ITV’s This Morning and Loose Women, will join hundreds of fundraisers donning their walking shoes to raise vital funds for people affected by dementia, many of whom are in desperate need of support in the wake of the pandemic.
The broadcaster, whose father passed away in 2012, said: “This is a cause close to my heart because I lost my dad to Alzheimer’s and I know how devastating the condition is for those diagnosed and their families.
“I’m walking in loving memory of my dad, who I miss every day. I am lucky enough to have participated in several Memory Walks, and they are always a wonderful way to celebrate and remember a loved one who has been impacted by dementia.
“After a difficult year for everyone, but particularly for those living with dementia, there’s never been a better time to lace up your boots, and I’d encourage anyone who can to come along by signing up today.
“Money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society reach and support more people through the charity’s vital services, like the Dementia Connect support line, which have been a lifeline for thousands of people.”
Hundreds of people have already joined the presenter by signing up for the walk at Painshill Park, Cobham, on 26 September. People can also organise their own Memory Walk at a time and location of their choice with a group of close friends and family. However people choose to take part, money raised will help Alzheimer’s Society continue to support the 17,000 people living with dementia in Surrey through its vital services (like the Dementia Connect support line) which have been used over 5 and a half million times throughout the UK since March 2020.
People affected by dementia, worst hit by coronavirus, face a difficult road to recovery as a result of thousands having symptoms increase and mental health deteriorating due to a lack of social contact, routine and interruptions to essential care and support. Alzheimer’s Society’s crucial work has never been more needed.
Sue Beechy, Alzheimer’s Society’s Area Manager, said: “We’re calling on people with dementia, family, friends and teams from across Surrey to unite against dementia this Autumn.
“We’re very grateful for Ruth Langsford’s continued support of our Surrey Memory Walk and would encourage everyone to get involved in what is always a fun and moving day.
“Not only has the pandemic left a gaping hole in the hearts of grieving families across Surrey, but many are also struggling to cope watching their surviving loved one become a shell of the person they once were. Whether you decide to take part on the day at Painshill Park, or to walk with a small group of friends and family in your local area, all that matters is that we unite against dementia and continue to support people who need it most.”
Visit memorywalk.org.uk to find out more about taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Surrey Memory Walk on 26 September.
