Thousands step out for Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk

Actor, comedian and journalist Meera Syal joined thousands of Alzheimer’s Society fundraisers in a Memory Walk at the weekend.

Ms Syal stepped out with walkers at Potters Field Park in London Bridge to help the Alzheimer’s Society’s fight against the devastation caused by dementia.

After her father was diagnosed with dementia in 2013, Ms Syal became an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador. 

She said: “Sadly, my mum was very recently also diagnosed with a rare form of dementia called PSP. 

“Although both my parents have passed now, I and my brother’s family cared for both of them for over a decade, so we know only too well what a devastating effect this disease has on carers and those living with it.”

The £151,938 raised from the 10km sponsored walk will go towards funding research and supporting people living with dementia.

Ms Syal said: “But we also know what support and empathy there is out there. 

“We were blessed with finding a wonderful Dementia Friend called Shirley who sat with us at our mum’s bedside in hospital for a long, painful month.” 

Along with a simultaneous walk in Manchester, the Potter’s Field Park Memory Walk was the last in a series of 24 walks which took place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland. 

Kate Lee, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It was incredibly powerful to see so many people coming together this weekend. Every step taken will make such a difference to people living with dementia and their families.”

Pictured top: Meera Syal joins walkers in Potters Field on Sunday for the Memory Walk (Picture: Alzheimer’s Society)