For many, September means the return of schools, darker evenings and a slow shift towards autumn. For TV presenter and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Ruth Langsford, it also means one very important date in her diary – the annual Memory Walk.
Ruth has been lacing up her trainers for the event for the past 15 years, each time with the same determination to support the charity’s work. Dementia is a subject close to her heart, having seen her dad, Dennis, live with the illness and now watching her mum, Joan, face the same condition.
She’s urging people across the South West to join her this year by signing up for one of 12 Memory Walks taking place across the country this autumn. Locally, Bristol’s walk happens on Saturday 6 September, while Ruth herself will be part of the London event at Potters Fields Park on 5 October.
“By coming together and taking part in a Memory Walk, we can pave the way to dementia no longer devastating lives by helping to fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services today and groundbreaking research for the future,” Ruth said.
“It is so difficult to watch someone you love fade away little by little, but I’ve also seen the incredible difference support and care can make, not just to the person with dementia but their families.”
And why should people take part? Ruth sums it up with her five highlights:
The sense of togetherness: everyone is walking for someone – those we love, those we’ve lost, or those living with dementia today.
The fundraising makes a real difference: last year the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Support Line handled nearly 60,000 calls from people in need.
A chance to pause and reflect: walkers can leave messages on the Memory Tree or share stories with others who understand.
It’s healthy: with routes from 2km to 10km, it’s exercise with a purpose – and physical activity may even help people with dementia.
That medal at the finish line: because every step feels like a victory when you’re walking for such a cause.
There are nearly one million people in the UK living with dementia today, more than 101,500 of them in the South West alone. Bristol alone has around 4,600 people affected.
So if you’re looking for a walk with meaning this autumn, swap the Saturday morning lie-in for a few miles that could change lives. Signing up is free at memorywalk.org.uk.
