Walkers take Yellow Brick Road with Sophie Evans at Cardiff Memory Walk

She sang Over the Rainbow from her role as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to a rapturous reception.

And a rendition of You'll Never Walk Alone from the Young Persons with Dementia Choir brought a tear to the eye at Cardiff Memory Walk.

Sophie, aged 19, was returning to her Welsh roots for the event and told walkers:

'It's a brilliant cause - you are doing an amazing job!'

Councillor Bernard Willis, former mayor of Tredegar, presented a cheque for £8,500 to Community Fundraiser Rhodri Davies for Alzheimer's Society at the event raised during his year of office.

He described Alzheimer's on families as 'absolutely devastating' and said:

'We have had a huge amount of support from the people of Tredegar in raising money for the Alzheimer' Society. It has been absolutely wonderful.'

Councillor Willis also presented a rugby ball signed the Wales 2012 Six Nations winning team to be given to the person who raises most in sponsorship from the walk in Bute Park, Cardiff.

Sue Phelps, Alzheimer's Society Director for Wales, accompanied by her dog Louis, said:

'The atmosphere has been wonderful. We were blessed with the weather and everyone had a fabulous time.

'As years go by I am sure the walk will get bigger and better. All we need now is jackets for the dogs, although more than one wore a t-shirt!'

• Swansea Memory Walk will take place on 30 September 2012