Mick and Maureen launch Portsmouth Memory Walk

Alzheimer's Society is one of the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth's chosen charities this year and Memory Walk is their biggest annual fundraiser. The Portsmouth Memory Walk will take place on Saturday 15 September.

68-year-old Mick lives in Portsmouth and was diagnosed with dementia 5 years ago. His wife Maureen explained why they believe raising money through Memory Walk is so important:

'When Mick was diagnosed with dementia it was all a bit of a whirlwind, but getting the right support really helped. Dementia has affected a lot of people we know and Mick also lost his mother to the condition very recently. We would really encourage people to get involved in the Portsmouth Memory Walk and raise money for local services.'

There are currently over 2,200 people living with dementia in Portsmouth and over 18,600 in Hampshire as a whole. The money raised from Memory Walk will help to support them and their carers.

Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. This year Alzheimer's Society 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's Locality Manager, Amber Reed said:

'We're so grateful to Mick and Maureen for supporting Memory Walk. It's is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday. From a four-year old to his 80-year-old gran and her dog, Memory Walk sees whole families coming together to fight dementia. Additionally an array of entertainment and refreshments will be available making it a day to remember for everyone who takes part.

'Thanks to the support of Bupa Care Homes, Memory Walk is able to support more people living with dementia in Portsmouth through the vital funds that are raised.'

The Portsmouth Memory Walk takes place on Saturday 15 September, starting from Castle Field at 11am. There is a choice of a short 3km walk or a longer 10km walk with spectacular views of the Isle of White, Southsea Castle and the Historic Docklands.

To register for Memory Walk visit memorywalk.org.uk