Bradley Clarkson and Stephen McPartland MP step out to fight dementia in Hertfordshire

Bradley set walkers off to raise money for local Alzheimer's Society services. Over 200 people stepped out to take part in the Hertfordshire Memory Walk and more than £15,000 is estimated to have been raised to help local people with dementia and their carers.

ITV's Grease is the Word star, Bradley Clarkson took part in the Memory Walk with his sister, Lydia in memory of their grandmother.

Bradley said;

'It was one of those perfect days. The sun came out and everyone was smiling, with the name of their loved one attached to their Memory Walk T-shirt. I felt proud to have walked the 10 kilometres in memory of my nan, and privileged to have been involved in promoting and opening this event. A big well done and thank you to all the volunteers, the organisers, our sponsor Bupa, the walkers themselves and all those who donated money to this fantastic cause.  It really was a day to remember.'

Stephen McPartland, Member of Parliament for Stevenage, said;

'The turnout for the event was absolutely amazing and showed the massive support locally for this great cause. It is clear that this condition is affecting more and more people with most families experiencing the illness in a loved one. I was proud to help raise awareness of this event and will continue to campaign in Parliament to ensure we invest in providing the best possible care to those affected by Alzheimer's.'

Sharon Williams (44) volunteered on the day and also took part in the 2km walk with her husband, mum and children.  They were all walking in memory of Sharon's father who had dementia and passed away in February this year. 

Sharon said:

'It's been a lot of hard work organising Memory Walk but also great fun.  It was a very emotional day and lots of people turned up for a good family day out.  It's wonderful to see our efforts have pulled everyone together for the same cause - fighting dementia.'

Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. Alzheimer's Society and Bupa aim to support more people living with dementia through the vital funds that are raised.

Today, participants were encouraged to go the extra mile and take part in Bupa's 'Memory Mile' at the end of the walk to raise a further £5 to support people with dementia.

Kay Henocq, from Woodlands View Bupa Residential & Nursing Home who attended the event, 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 today.'

Alzheimer's Society spokesperson, Jen Moseley said:

'Memory Walk went fantastically well and we are all really pleased. This is the first time Stevenage has held a flagship walk and Fairlands Valley Park proved to be a great location. I am incredibly grateful to the team of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the day possible.'