Corrie couple back together for Manchester Memory Walk

Awareness raised by the stars helped triple the number of people taking part in glorious sunshine before a late sharp shower in Heaton Park.

The Corrie duo were reunited for the first time since featuring in a dramatic storyline watched by 10 million viewers in which Judy played Tony's wife Lesley living with Alzheimer's.

Tony said:

'Alzheimer's has an immense impact on people. I had no idea before becoming involved of the depth of struggle for carers and people living with dementia.

It was really uplifting seeing the stream of people on the walk.'

Judy, who with Tony completed a 10km trek and chatted to people taking part along the route, said:

'It's brilliant. There was a river of people flowing through the park.'

Tony also had a surprise reunion with Kimberley Beswick's two year old twins Jaxon and Maddox, one of whom he rescued as a three month old as fireman Paul Kershaw, in the Street's 50th anniversary live episode, from the arms of her dying mother in a tram crash.Tony said:

'It was lovely to be reunited with the boys and their mum. I'm always reminded saying as Paul that running into burning buildings is a blessed relief compared to being a full time carer.'

Kimberley of Bolton was walking for her granddad, Steve Mallinson, who is living with dementia and suffered emotionally, remembering his mum dying and experiencing the grief afresh each time.

'His short term memory is none-existent.'

Irene Carlin of Denton, accompanied by granddaughter Emily (14), and Laura Taylor, (18), took the option of the mile walk as well as the extra Bupa mile for which the company made a further donation, in memory of her husband Lawrence.

'He died in 2009 in his late 60's as a result of early onset Alzheimer's, with which he was diagnosed in his mid-50's.

'We started walking when there was only a trickle of people taking part. It was fantastic to see so many supporting the event this time. It's marvellous and we'll keep doing it.

'It's amazing how much the walk has grown. Alzheimer's is devastating. If I think about it, I'll cry. We walk every year. Never miss.'

Cathy Atherdon of Bury, walked for her mum Hazel Townson, who had Alzheimer's. Cathy said: 

'Mum was a professional writer and lost the ability to speak in the end. For someone for who words were her life it's a cruel thing to have no language left at all.

'It was extremely important to walk. You don't realise until Alzheimer's impacts on your life and your family how devastating it is.

Alzheimer's Society is really supportive. It's your first point of call. The charity is second to none. I can't say enough good things about them, they're great.'

Hayley Misell, Alzheimer's Society's Support Services Manager said:

'Support for this year's walk has been absolutely magnificent. And it's great to have the Corrie stars involved as that storyline was so powerful and did so much to raise awareness of Alzheimer's.

'Three times as many people have taken part compared to last year and we're hoping to raise as much as £40,000.

One family even boosted their total sponsorship with their golden wedding celebrations by asking all of the guests to send donations instead of presents. It's amazing.'

Many people topped up their total by walking Bupa's mile, an extra mile for which the company donated a further £5 for each one completing it.

Siobhan Drain, Bupa Care Homes community and partnership manager said:

'Our staff work closely with people living with dementia and their families. That's why we've being encouraging our staff, residents, friends and families to support the walk, so we can raise awareness of dementia and additional funds through the Bupa memory mile. It was great to see so many of them supporting the event.'

Around 28,000 people in Greater Manchester are living 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.