Corrie star backs Manchester Memory Walk

Hundreds of people are being urged by the actress to sign up to take part in the event for all the family - to be staged in the city's Heaton Park - by going to memorywalk.org.uk.

At the launch at the park's Heaton Hall she joined Ann Johnson, who spent 35 years as a nurse and lecturer before leaving her career seven years ago when she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's aged just 52.

Judy, who played fireman's wife Lesley Kershaw in Coronation Street, said:

'Help provided by Alzheimer's Society to carers and people living with dementia is essential and I hope people will join me in going along to the Memory Walk to raise funds for the vital services the charity provides.

'Alzheimer's is like the Big C used to be - you didn't talk about cancer. Now we don't talk about dementia, but we should do, rather than feel embarrassed and try to ignore what's happening.

'While watching Corrie a man turned to his wife when he saw Lesley's experience of Alzheimer's and said 'that's me.' He was able to say there was something wrong and was then in a position to access help.

'When people feel unable to admit they have a problem they are missing out on medication and the support available and that is why the Memory Walk is so important in raising awareness.'

Early signs of Alzheimer's came for Ann Johnson when she started to struggle to tell the time and became lost for words, having difficulty with short term memory, or even working out how to turn on taps.

Ann said:

'I have great difficulty reading now. I moved into a care home three years ago. I can see things are becoming worse for me and my personality going - I wish I couldn't, but I can.

'I don't think of the future because I'm terrified. Each day is difficult. Simple tasks like washing and dressing in the morning are a struggle - it's a question of remembering what to do next, but all the time I can battle through I want to keep doing it.

'Three things keep me going, my friends, my faith and speaking for the Alzheimer's Society - the support and care the Society gives people is wonderful and I hope lots of people will get behind this year's Memory Walk.'

There will be a choice of a one mile and a 10km route at the event in Heaton Park, at 11am Sunday 9 September 2012, as well attractions for all the family, while last year even dogs taking part received medals.

Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. Together, Alzheimer's Society and Bupa aim to support more people living with dementia through the funds raised. This year, the charity is encouraging people to go the extra mile and take part in Bupa's 'Memory Mile' at the end of the walk to raise a further £5 to support people with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society provides a wide range of services in Manchester including information, befriending visits, dementia cafes and dementia support workers helping carers and people with dementia.