Big names step out to fight dementia in London

She was joined by creator of Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson and his son Jamie Anderson and the Director of Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll, Mat Whitecross.

London based Carey is well known for her roles in films such as An Education, Drive, Shame and Never Let Me Go. She and Gerry delivered motivating speeches before setting the walkers off at Battersea Park.

Hundreds people stepped out to take part in the London Memory Walk and over £50,000 is estimated to have been raised to help local people with dementia and their carers.

Carey, an Alzheimer's Society ambassador, joined the walkers on the ten mile route. She said:

'I was really pleased to be asked to join the walkers at the London Memory Walk. Alzheimer's Society is a cause close to my heart as Nans (her Nan) has dementia so I grew up experiencing the effects the condition has on her.  

'Memory Walk gives us the opportunity to really make a difference to those who are living with dementia in London. I feel privileged to be so involved with Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraising event.'

Gerry Anderson was diagnosed with dementia around 18 months ago. He and Jamie have been helping to promote Memory Walk for the last three months and Jamie has taken part in three Memory Walk Marathons.

Jamie said:

'Dad and I have been really involved with the Memory Walks. We both think it is incredibly important that we raise awareness of dementia and help people understand that it is a condition that can happen to anyone, no matter what your background is.

'It was really great to see so many people stepping out to help support people like my father. I hope they all had a wonderful day.'

Mat said:

'My Dad had dementia for over ten years so Alzheimer's Society is a charity I'm very proud to support. My latest film, Ashes, was inspired by my dad. Ray Winstone plays a man with dementia, trying to remember his past. When Ray and I researched the film were we able to see first hand the fantastic services the Society provides to people living with dementia in London.

'That's why Memory Walk is so important. The funds raised will go towards supporting services like the one we visited and will make a huge difference to so many lives in London.

'The London Memory Walk was fantastic. It was inspiring to see so many people united in their fight against dementia and it was a privilege to be part of it.'

Jeremy Hughes, Alzheimer's Society Chief Executive, attended the walk. He said:

'It's really brilliant that Carey, Gerry, Jamie and Mat came along to the London Memory Walk. All of us at Alzheimer's Society are incredibly grateful to them for their support.

'There are 69,000 people living with dementia in London and this is expected to rise to 80,000 by 2021. That is why Memory Walk is so important as it raises vital funds for local services for people with dementia and their carers 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.

Denise Collis, Bupa Group HR Director, who attended the walk, said:

'Our staff work closely with those living with dementia and their families, so we know how upsetting it can be. That's why we've been encouraging our staff, residents' friends and families to support the walk so we can raise awareness of dementia, and raise additional funds through the Bupa Memory Mile. It's great to see so many of them supporting the event.'