Walkers set off at break of dawn to complete marathon trek for Alzheimer's Society

Those brave enough to take on Alzheimer's Society's Memory Walk Marathon South got to experience physical exertion, a strong sense of achievement and to experience walking through over 6,000 years of British history, ending at the Standing Stone Circles of Avebury.

Jamie Anderson (27), son of Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson, was one of the people to complete the Memory Walk Marathon South. His efforts do not stop here though, as he will soon be taking on the London Memory Walk. He has already taken part in Alzheimer's Society's Memory Walk Marathons', in Northern Ireland on 1 September and Northumbria on 8 of September. Jamie's father, Gerry (83) was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease a year and a half ago and he is aiming to raise £5,000 for Alzheimer's Society in total.

Jamie Anderson said;

'Completing the 26 miles from Stonehenge to the Standing Stone Circles of Avebury was tougher than I expected but it was an amazing day and one that I will never forget.  What really kept me going was thinking of what the money raised will do to support people like my father.  

'This is my final marathon trek, I have really enjoyed the challenge. But there's still more to come when I attend the London Memory Walk next week.'

Michael Ashfield lives in Netheravon and took part in the event with his wife, Di. They completed the walk in just under eight hours. Mike said:

'Di and I took part for my mum who had dementia and unfortunately passed away three weeks ago. For this reason the day was even more poignant and close to our hearts. Watching my mum's deterioration and my father care for her made us want to do everything we can to stop more people experiencing what my mum and dad went through. Dementia is just as hard on the loved one's family; that's why it's so important that everyone does what they can to raise the funds to fight the condition.

'Seeing all the people who took part in the marathon makes you realise the scale of people that are affected by dementia and the huge impact it has. I have had an excellent, but emotional day. It was worth all the training, pain, aching limbs and sore feet.'

Memory Walk Marathon was 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.

The Memory Walk Marathon South took place on 16 September, beginning at Stonehenge and ending in Avebury.

Anyone who would like to support the Alzheimer's Society by taking on a gentler challenge than the marathon is still able to register for a Memory Walk near them at memorywalk.org.uk