Memory Walks: Walkers remember those they loved and lost to Alzheimer’s

FROM Shetland to the Borders and Ayrshire to Aberdeen, people have come out in their record-breaking thousands to support Memory Walks over the past five weeks.

Sadly all good things must come to an end and yesterday’s event in Inverness was the 19th and final walk of 2016.

Supported every step of the way by The Sunday Post, this year’s Memory Walks have so far raised a fantastic £250,000 for Alzheimer Scotland – with lots of money still to come in.

That’s an incredible rise of 25% on last year’s total – alongside a huge rise in the number of walkers.

Catherine Thomas, Head of Fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland, said: “I am thrilled that we delivered a record- breaking year for our Memory Walk series during World Alzheimer’s Month,” she said.

“Thousands of people across the country put their best foot forward at their local Memory Walk to show support for families living with dementia and raise funds for Alzheimer Scotland and we are so thankful for their dedication.”

Lynne Brown took part in the Fife Memory Walk at Lochore Meadows Country Park – for her dad, Thomas Lawson, along with her daughter Yvonne, sisters-in-law Janice and Alice and friend Jacqui.

“It was a really nice day and I felt proud doing the walk and being part of a group of people who have experienced the sadness and loss that dementia brings,” said Lynne, who lives in Lochawe, Argyll.

“I’m looking forward to doing anything I can to help in the future and will be doing a walk again in 2017.”

Thomas was diagnosed with vascular dementia in 2009 and moved into a care home in Kirkcaldy, Fife.

“Up until he passed away, he still knew who we were and could have a conversation and remained mobile. I know I was lucky in that regard.

“It was in those last few years of Dad’s life that I found out so much more about him.

“We knew he was in the Navy but he never spoke about those days. It was only when I read about the Arctic Convoys in the news that I wondered if it involved Dad, so I filled in a form and was told he was eligible.

“The last family day we had with him was in November 2014, when he was presented with Arctic Star and Ushakov medals.

“It was a very proud day.”

Thomas passed away, aged 89, in January 2015.

Lynne added: “I enjoyed being part of the Memory Walk because it makes you feel you are doing something for yourself as well as others.”

Catherine Thomas added: “With the support of The Sunday Post we have shared a series of stories about our services and groups, our supporters and also our ambassador, Kate Dickie, who helped to kick-start the partnership with Scotland’s favourite Sunday newspaper.

Actress Kate Dickie's mum suffered from dementia — Scottish actress Kate Dickie (in Game of Thrones), who is helping to front the Sunday Post’s campaign on Dementia alongside Alzheimer Scotland (Andrew Cawley/ DC Thomson)

“So many people have taken time to help raise vital funds and support us by talking openly about their experiences.

“This all helps in our mission to make sure nobody lives with dementia alone.

“A huge thank you goes out to all walkers and the people who sponsored them, and to our partners at HSBC and The Sunday Post for making Memory Walks 2016 the best year yet.”

If you have any questions about dementia or about the services available in Scotland, call Alzheimer Scotland’s 24-hour Helpline on 0808 808 3000.

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