Walkers will take to the streets of Ipswich next month to raise money for dementia research, sufferers and their carers.
The inaugural Ipswich Alzheimer’s Memory Walk has been created by a group of volunteers, Jessica Baldry, Hilary Fulton and Victoria Meadows, and will take place on the afternoon of Saturday, October 8.
Participants will walk 10 miles around Ipswich, starting and finishing at the Waterfront, taking in some of the historic sights of Suffolk’s county town.
The event has registered around 70 walkers so far and each entrant has committed to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society via sponsorship.
Event organiser Jessica Baldry said: “Dementia is a condition that is close to home for myself and the events team.
“We’ve all witnessed the cruelty and speed of this dreadful illness in our own families and it was important for us to raise funds to enhance the Alzheimer’s Society’s work, but also to increase local awareness of how common this illness is and how much support is available to sufferers and carers.
“Raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Society is a tangible way of supporting people living with this condition and money raised will assist research into better treatments.
“We need the people of Ipswich to join us on the Ipswich Alzheimer’s Memory Walk 2016 and together, arm in arm and step by step, we will walk for a world without dementia.”
Mayor of Ipswich Roger Fern will officially open the walk from the start location of the Cult Café at 3pm.
Mr Fern is supporting The Alzheimer’s Society as one of his chosen charities during his mayoral year.
Insurance giant Swinton is sponsoring the start line while accountants Larking Gowen is providing participants with a medal as they cross the finish line at Isaacs on the Quay around 6.30pm.
Suffolk Lowland Search and Rescue, which is requested by emergency services to find vulnerable people including dementia patients who have become lost, has also backed the event. The charity has entered a team of walkers and will be available for advice at the beginning of the walk.
Jenna Veneziani, East Anglia community fundraiser for the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Jessica, Hilary and Victoria have done a fantastic job at organising the first Ipswich Memory Walk and we are incredibly grateful for their huge support.
“Memory Walk is a great opportunity for all generations of every family to step out together to walk for a world without dementia.
“We already know that what’s good for the heart is good for the head, and regular exercise is one of the best ways to help reduce your risk of developing dementia – all while enjoying a great day out in the fresh air with those you care about.”
The route takes walkers from Ipswich Waterfront to Landseer Road, Nacton Road, Heath Road, Valley Road, Christchurch Park, the town centre and then finishing back at the Waterfront.
The event will offer an opportunity for people to pass a tribute to a loved one, past and present, who suffers or has suffered from dementia. Each participant will be given a blank tag for them to write their message or memory on.
To take part in the event, contact jess@momo-marketing.co.uk for a registration form.
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