This Morning’s Ruth Langsford steps out to fight dementia in Surrey

Ruth, from Weybridge, who is also a writer and weekly columnist for Woman magazine, set walkers off to raise money for Alzheimer's Society services in Surrey. Over 200 people stepped out to take part in one of the two walking distances available at Godstone Green and over £1,000 is estimated to have been raised to help local people with dementia and their carers.

Ruth, an Alzheimer's Society ambassador, said:

'I am an active supporter of Alzheimer's Society so I was really pleased to be asked to set off the walkers at the Surrey Memory Walk.

'Alzheimer's Society is a cause close to my heart as my father had dementia and passed away this year.

'Memory Walk gives us the opportunity to really make a difference to those who are living with dementia in Surrey, and will be used to support local Alzheimer's Society services.'

Brian Ford, from Boxhill, was at the Surrey Memory Walk. He said:

'I'm walking for everybody who has dementia. I think it's important to help people with the condition as much as you can. I have a target to raise £500 and I think I have already exceeded this amount. It's such a great atmosphere here today, more and more people are turning up by the minute. I'm very privileged to meet Ruth and I hope everyone has a good day.'

Anita Avery, Alzheimer's Society Community Fundraiser for Surrey, Said:

'It is really heartening to see so many people in the community come together to support Alzheimer's Society and their loved ones. Every year it's getting bigger and raising more funds. Caring for someone with dementia can be hard work and heartbreaking but Memory Walk brings everyone together to fight the condition. I want to thank everyone who has attended.

'There are over 15,000 people living with dementia in Surrey and this is expected to rise to over 19,500 by 2012. That is why Memory Walk is so important as it raises vital funds for local services for people with dementia and their cares such as dementia cafes and support groups.'

Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. This year Alzheimer's Society encouraged people to go the extra mile and asked people to take part in Bupa's 'Memory Mile' at the end of the walk to raise a further £5 to support people with dementia.