Flashmob launches Cardiff Memory Walk

Volunteers along with carers and people with dementia formed flash mob to put the music into memory at Bute Park.

They sang a special Cardiff version of the Lambeth Walk to let people know they can sign up for the event now at memorywalk.org.uk

Jon Mackrell, volunteer project leader, said:

'We thought this would be great way to tell people about the walk which is our flagship event for the family.

'Memory Walk is again in the superb surroundings of Bute Park on Sunday 16 September, which last year attracted 400 people and raised £20,000.'

There is a choice of a 3.5km and 12km walks in the event which raises money for vital Alzheimer's Society services across Wales.

An opportunity is also on offer to go a step more by doing Bupa's Memory Mile - one mile extra - for which the company will donate a further £5.

Community singing teacher Celia Webb, who has helped find volunteers for the launch said:

'Singing is wonderful for the memory and the brain - music opens the door to memories and brings people together in the moment.'

Celia and music therapist Maxine Bennett have started a new Singing for the Brain Group with the Alzheimer's Society in Cardiff.

Janet Foyle, of Heol Carenau, Caerau, Cardiff, is planning to take part in the walk - her husband Andrew was diagnosed with vascular dementia around three years ago when he was aged just 55.

He started forgetting things like putting on socks or where he had put his coffee, having spent two decades in a demanding job as a civil servant with the Welsh Assembly before retiring on health grounds.

Andrew said:

'I was an avid reader but I don't read a thing now, I can't retain anything. I'd read three pages, forget what was on the first page and have to look at again. It got so that I didn't read at all apart from subtitles on TV.'

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 vital funds that are raised.

As well as being able to sign up memorywalk.org.uk people without access to a computer who would like to register for the walk, or Singing for the Brain, can call  029 20 4349 60