Real Journalism by Leeds Hacks

Hundreds gathered together in Leeds for memory walk

old lady being helped by someone
Photo by geralt
Alzheimer's Society organised a walk to raise money and awareness for alzheimers and dementia.

Dementia is the name of a collection of symptoms associated with an ongoing decline of brain functioning. It affects memory, thinking skills plus other mental and movement abilities.

Dementia is a horrific condition which tears relationships apart. The memory loss often makes families feel bereaved as their loved one who is suffering becomes confused and forgets everything overtime.

A memory walk organised by Alzheimers Society took place on Saturday at Temple Newsam in Leeds in order to raise awareness and funding for those suffering with dementia. Hundreds of fundraisers along with family, friends and colleagues gathered together in their branded t-shirts with messages and photos of loved ones to support the 76,000 people living with dementia across Yorkshire.

Memory walk volunteer, Henry Richardson, was helping out with the 6km walk warm up and handing out water and snacks to the participants. Henry said: “It was so moving to see so many people coming together to support their loved ones who are suffering.

“It’s great to know that the funds are going towards slowing down the process of dementia and giving them a happier life.”

a man pushing an old man in a wheelchair
pixabay An elderly citizen being pushed in a wheelchair

One participant, Cheryl Walker, was walking in honour of her dad who is currently suffering in the late stages of dementia. Cheryl said: “It means so much to be taking part in the memory walk and knowing that we’re making a difference, you get such a heartfelt feeling being amongst everyone and it makes you feel less alone when taking care of someone with dementia knowing that so many others are going through it as well.”

Every pound raised from the Leeds walk will help Alzheimer’s Society provide support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for those affected.

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