ALZHEIMER Scotland has launched Scotland’s Memory Walk 2020 this week to encourage people to raise funds to support those with dementia.
The event will go ahead on September 19 to 18, those who take part can choose to walk where they want throughout the country to celebrate their loved ones.
This allows participants to choose somewhere that may have a special meaning for them at a time that best suits them across the two days.
Participants can choose to walk somewhere that holds a special meaning t them.
Those partaking in the memory walk can walk any distance, and it is free to sign up.
People taking part can create teams with friends or family and fundraise through their own personalised Memory Walk page.
Sarah Cheung, Stakeholder Engagement Lead at Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to bring Scotland’s Memory Walk back this September to raise vital funds and awareness of dementia in Scotland. It’s so important to connect with friends and family, more so than ever, and our walk is the perfect way to do so.
“We’d love people to choose a special location for their walk; perhaps somewhere local that holds a special memory, or even your garden if you’re not able to venture far.
“Our hope is that this year’s walk will reach every corner of Scotland over the weekend of 18-19 September. If you are unable to take part on these dates, we would still love you to sign up and complete your walk on a date that works for you.”
She added: “We hope Scotland’s Memory Walk gives people the chance to honour their loved ones and feel connected to the dementia community across the country.
“Every penny raised will go directly towards helping Alzheimer Scotland support people living with dementia and their loved ones, at a time when they need us more than ever.”
A new fundraising platform has been launched to make sure that people taking part can share their experiences and feel connected.
There are prizes and medals to be won this year and everyone who takes part can win rewards and badges.
Margaret Northedge, 62, from Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, who lives with dementia, said: “I didn’t want to get involved with Alzheimer Scotland’s groups at the start, but once I was there, they made me so welcome, and I looked forward to going again.
“They’ve given me moral support, that’s the most precious thing.
“When I was diagnosed, I was actually lost, it was a very sad time for me, so being able to receive support from the Dementia Resource Centre and other people was a lifeline, because I was going down a slippery slope of depression.”
All funds raised in Scotland go to Alzheimer Scotland to support those with dementia and to fund their services, including the 24-hour freephone dementia helpline (0808 808 3000).
To sign up for Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit here.
