Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this September and October.

This year, the Birmingham Memory Walk, set in the South of the city, will take place on Sunday 11 September at Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham. We are aiming to raise £280,000 and bring together more than 4,500 walkers across generations. There are 31 flagship walks across the Memory Walk season and many more walks of a smaller size organised separately by Alzheimer’s Society supporters.

Memory Walk is an accessible, fun day out for everyone as there are two course offered with a 3km walk alongside a 10km walk as options for walkers. Walkers are encouraged to adorn a wooden Memory Tree sculpture with thoughts and memories of loved ones. Walkers who successfully complete either distance of the course receive a medal at the finish line.

Carolynn Platt, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society said: “This is a great opportunity to come together as a community and celebrate the lives of people with dementia from across Birmingham and the West Midlands. I look forward to meeting the multitude of walkers on the day.”

Fundraising is an integral part of Alzheimer’s Society and money raised contributes to wide variety of projects. £25 could pay for genetic tests in four people in a clinical trial. This can let us look for specific genes within their DNA. £100 would allow a person with dementia to enjoy ten Singing for the Brain sessions to boost their confidence. £1,000 could fund a PhD researcher for 7 days to continue vital research into understanding the causes of dementia, how it can be treated and to find a cure.

Whether people are walking in memory of a loved one, to celebrate someone affected by dementia or to create memories with family and friends, people of all ages and abilities can raise money to better support those living with dementia and find a cure – walkers can even bring along furry friends! Every person, every pound, every step will bring a better world for people with dementia closer.