Home Local News Hundreds of people unite against dementia at Blackpool Memory Walk

Hundreds of people unite against dementia at Blackpool Memory Walk

0

A tide of hundreds gathered on the Promenade under Blackpool Tower yesterday (Sunday 15 September), to unite against dementia at Alzheimer’s Society’s Blackpool Memory Walk. The rain held off to allow the sea of walkers in blue Memory Walk t-shirts to complete a 2km or 7.5km route.

Blackpool favourite, and firm Alzheimer’s Society supporter, Anne Nolan, joined local man Peter Lyttle, from Lytham St Annes, to cut the ribbon and get the event underway.

Peter, age 63, was diagnosed with vascular dementia when he was just 58 years old, which left him scared, confused and in a dark place. After discovering Alzheimer’s Society, Peter began to volunteer for the charity, motivated to ensure that no-one else felt as isolated after their dementia diagnosis as he did. Peter shared his moving personal story with the crowd on Sunday and continues to spread the word about support, including by setting up his own cafes for people living with dementia.

Anne Nolan, who rose to fame in the 70s singing with her sisters as The Nolan Sisters, was taking part in her third Memory Walk in Blackpool. Anne walked in memory of her mum Maureen, who had dementia.

Also walking was Laura Scofield, 36, a mental health nurse from Blackpool. Laura walked in memory of Shelia, a lady with dementia for whom she used to care for, for over two years.

Laura and Shelia had a unique bond, and would regularly sing together, despite the fact Shelia was usually only able to say a few words. Singing with Laura brought Shelia so much joy.  Shelia sadly passed away just before last Christmas but Laura still visits her family once a month and completed the walk in her memory, with a photo of Shelia on her shirt.

Peter Lyttle, who opened the walk with Anne Nolan, said:

“When I got my diagnosis, I felt like a nobody. The Alzheimer’s Society came along and they picked me up. They gave me my self-esteem and my confidence back. No one said to me “you can’t do that, you’ve got dementia’, they said ‘go on do it, we’ll help you’.

“It’s wonderful that so many people joined the walk and raised vital funds to help beat dementia. Every penny raised through Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society improve care, find a cure, and support people affected by dementia. It is so important that we all come together to fight this disease. Thank you everyone.”

Laura Scofield, who walked for Shelia, said:

“Sheila would just brighten your day. As soon as she saw your face, she’d smile. When she went to bed, she always said ‘goodnight, god bless’ and would blow you a kiss. She had quite a mischievous character. She was just a beautiful soul and would remember little things.

“I used to sing to Shelia when she was feeling distressed and her reaction was amazing. Although she wasn’t able to hold a full conversation, she always joined in singing. Her favourite song was ‘You are my sunshine’ and we’d always sing carols at Christmas too.

“It was fantastic to see hundreds of people uniting against dementia at Blackpool Memory Walk. We need to do all we can to raise vital funds for dementia research.”

Also in attendance was Councillor Lynn Williams, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Blackpool Council.

Cllr Williams said:

‘It was a pleasure to attend Alzheimer’s Society’s Blackpool Memory Walk along the world famous promenade and show my support for the important work that Alzheimer’s Society does across the country.

“It was wonderful to see so many people with dementia, family, friends and teams from Blackpool and the surrounding areas unite against dementia.

“I had the opportunity to talk to Peter, a local resident who’s living with dementia. I was touched by his struggle with coming to terms with having the condition and how it was going to change his life.  He’s no doubt an inspiration to others in the same situation to prove that you can live well with dementia if you have the right support in place.

“With someone developing the condition every three minutes it is vital that we work together to ensure that long term help and support is available for those affected.”

Sue Swire, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser for Lancashire, added:

“Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes – yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding.

“I am absolutely delighted that hundreds of people from across Lancashire united against dementia at Blackpool Memory Walk to improve the lives of people living with the condition.

“Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research to improve care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.

“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Memory Walk such a brilliant success.”

More Memory Walks are taking place this month and next, including the Manchester Memory Walk on Saturday 28 September and the Cheshire Memory Walk on Saturday 12 October. Alternatively people can organise one of their own. To find out more about the remaining walks and Your Walk, Your Way, go to memorywalk.org.uk.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here