Comedian, Craig Hill, has given his support to Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walks and is urging Scots everywhere to dust off their trainers to walk, share and celebrate someone special.
Memory Walks is Alzheimer Scotland’s flagship fundraising event taking place across the length and breadth of Scotland during September. The Aberdeen Memory Walk will take place in Hazlehead Park, Aberdeen on September 18 to raise money to help support 3,500 people living with dementia across the region and the countless partners, family members and friends also affected.
Craig Hill, who has just finished his Edinburgh Fringe Festival live show run, said: “Go Alzheimer Scotland! What a great idea! This year they're encouraging everyone to sign up for a 'Memory Walk' where you commemorate and celebrate your loved ones raising much needed funds and in turn you support those affected by the illness and thousands of carers and you get fit to boot-what's not to love about that?
“Show your support this Autumn by signing up to one of the 'Memory Walk' events which are happening all over Scotland from Shetland to The Borders. Go on, dust off yer trainers, get yer pins oot and let’s give the Memory Walks a big thumbs up! "
Memory Walks are open to walkers of all ages and abilities, as well as being wheelchair, buggy and also dog-friendly, so there’s no reason why the entire family can’t make it the perfect day out. The Aberdeen Memory Walk will feature a Zumba warm up, entertainment from the Aberdeen Chorus of Sweet Adelines, Bouncy castle and facepainting.
Andrea Watt, community fundraiser and spokesperson for Alzheimer Scotland, said: “The excitement is building for this year’s Memory Walk with less than 2 weeks to go until our walk gets underway. We need hundreds of people to walk with us to challenge dementia once and for all. Together we can make a huge difference to the lives of people living with dementia and their carers across the region and further support our mission that no one should live with dementia alone.”
Dementia is the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today. There are more than 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and around 76% of Scots know someone who has the illness or cares for someone with dementia. The money raised from the Aberdeen Memory Walk will be used to support local dementia services at the Aberdeen Dementia Resource Centre on King Street.
Registration is £10 for adult walkers, £5 for 12-16 year olds and under 12s can walk for free. Alzheimer Scotland is asking participants to raise £100 in sponsorship. Visit www.memorywalksscotland.org to find out more and to register.
If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s free 24 hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org
Memory Walks are also supported by HSBC.