Memory Walk launches with YouGov survey findings about UK's happiest memories

The YouGov survey - released to launch Memory Walk - found that from a list of memorable moments 26 per cent of people said the birth of their children or grandchildren is their happiest memory. A holiday came in second at 17 per cent followed closely by spending time with the family (15 per cent). For the younger population the clear leader was a holiday, with 24 per cent of 18-24 year olds choosing that option. This was closely followed by falling in love (23 per cent).

Alongside the poll, new Alzheimer's Society supporter and creator of Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson has spoken for the first time about his dementia. 83 year-old Gerry, who officially launched Memory Walk, which is in partnership with Bupa Care Homes, was accompanied by the well known character Virgil Tracey. Gerry was diagnosed with dementia 18 months ago. He said:

'I was upset when I found out I had dementia but I try to stay positive and enjoy every day. My dementia hasn't just affected me; it's affected my friends and family too. That's why I'm encouraging people to sign up for Memory Walk and help Alzheimer's Society support so many other people with my condition.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'We're so grateful to Gerry for supporting Memory Walk. By speaking out about his dementia he's spreading the message much further that it can happen to anyone.

'Memory Walk is Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout September. Please join Gerry by signing up for Memory Walk and help us fight dementia together.'

The poll also found that from a list of activities 35 per cent of people's favourite thing to do on a Sunday is spend time with their family. In joint second place was going for a walk (15 per cent) and doing nothing (15 per cent). From the list, the least favourable was going to a pub (four per cent), with 18-24 year olds the least keen on this option (one per cent).

Jeremy continued:

'Memory Walk provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together at the weekend whilst helping raise money to support people with dementia. From shorter walks to Memory Walk 'marathons' there's something available for the whole family.'

Mark Ellerby, Managing Director of Bupa Care Services, said:

'As the biggest provider of specialist dementia care in the UK, I'm delighted we're supporting Memory Walk for a second year.  As well as the 16 flagship walks, we're encouraging our dementia care homes across the UK to organise their own Memory Walk, to get staff, residents and their families walking during the month.  We've set ourselves a tremendous target and I really hope we reach our goals.'

This year Bupa Care Homes are asking people to go the extra mile and take part in their 'Memory Mile' at the end of their walk to raise a further £5 to support people with dementia. 

There are currently 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. The money raised by Memory Walk will help support people with dementia all over the country.

To register for Memory Walk 2012 visit memorywalk.org.uk

Other key findings from the poll include:

• Spending time with the family is a happier memory for those over the age of 55 (18 per cent) in comparison to 18-24 years (ten per cent)
• From the list of memorable moments, university was the least popular choice with only five per cent of people saying it was their happiest memory and this was closely followed by people's wedding day (9 per cent).
• Nearly four out of ten (39%) women said spending time with their family was their favourite thing to do on a Sunday in comparison to three out of ten (30%) men
• People's favourite company to go on walks with is their partner (35 per cent), with their family coming in second (22 per cent) and their dog or alone at joint third (both 11 per cent)