We need to find a cure for dementia says ambassador Sarah

The Portstewart woman will be opening the Walk and has happy memories OF taking part in it with her dad and childrenfive years ago and has completed it with her mum many times since.

The Alzheimer’s Society is urging participants to rally around family members of all ages – from grandparents to grandchildren – and take part in the event being held at Ebrington Square, Londonderry on Sunday, September 18.

Sarah’s father Ian was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia in 2008 aged 62. He died in 2013. Sarah has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of dementia and the need to find a cure, bringing dementia to prominence in a Spotlight documentary on the BBC in 2010.

She says: “Memory Walk is a lovely thing to do with the family, whether you are walking with a family member who has dementia or to remember them. There is a real atmosphere - it is almost indescribable, but it is very special.

“It is very moving to see so many people together walking in memory of loved ones who have died with dementia, as well as people who have dementia supported by their families and friends.

“We need to find a cure for dementia. And until we do, we need to support people who have dementia to keep living their lives well, and we need to provide support for their families too. Alzheimer’s Society helped our family to do that.

“There’s still a long way to go, and I know the money raised by Memory Walks makes a real difference.”

About 3,000 people in the North West of Northern Ireland have dementia, and almost all of us know someone affected by the condition.

To take part visit www.memorywalk.org.uk/find-a-walk/foyle-memory-walk/