A CHARITY aiming to ensure that no-one faces dementia alone has launched a new funding drive ahead of the grand event this September.
Alzheimer Scotland has launched "Scotland’s Memory Walk 2021" this week, as the charity encourages people to raise funds to help people diagnosed with dementia.
Scotland’s Memory Walk will take place on September 18-19 and a new fundraising platform has been launched to ensure that people taking part can feel connected and share their experience as one big community.
The idea behind Scotland’s Memory Walk is that people can choose where they want to walk, and who they want to walk with.
That means participants can choose somewhere that has a special meaning for them at a time that suits them best over the weekend.
The charity says it's the taking part, not the distance that matters. Participants might choose to walk 1km, 5km or 50km, or even a lap of the garden.
To sign up to Scotland’s Memory Walk or donate to the cause, visit: memorywalk.alzscot.org
The new platform means it’s easier than ever to sign up and it’s free of charge to take part, although everyone is encouraged to raise as much as they can.
Participants will have the option to create a team with friends, family or colleagues and fundraise via their own personalised Memory Walk page.
Everyone who supports the campaign will also be able to earn rewards and badges, there are also prizes and medals up for grabs this year.
Every penny raised as a result of Scotland’s Memory Walk will go directly towards the support Alzheimer Scotland offers across Scotland, including their 24 hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000).
Margaret Northedge, 62, from Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, lives with dementia. She said she was "lost" wahen first diagnosed, but the charity helped her through.
Margaret 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.”
To sign up to Scotland’s Memory Walk or donate to the cause, visit: memorywalk.alzscot.org
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.
“Many participants have something in common, they’re walking for someone they care about, a person living with dementia, a carer or in memory of a loved one. 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.”
To sign up to Scotland’s Memory Walk or donate to the cause, visit: memorywalk.alzscot.org
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