Scaffolder Sean scales new height for Tyneside Memory Walk

He took part with his daughters Kate and Sarah among a group of friends and family, to help raise funds for the charity helping carers and people living with the condition.

Sean, of The Crescent, Jarrow, said:

'I did a test and the specialist said you've got Alzheimer's. It hit me like a hammer blow. I worked offshore. I thought I was going back on the rigs. He said: "You're not going anywhere; you've got Alzheimer's." I couldn't believe it.'

On Sunday, Sean was definitely going somewhere - a 10k walk in Saltwell Park, Gateshead - with hundreds of people for company all going in the same direction in the fight against dementia.

Signs of his Alzheimer's began with moments like 'putting things in the oven that should have gone in the cupboard,' starting to have trouble working some things out and then struggling to write.

Sean's wife, Rosemary, said:

'I don't look too far ahead; you cope with here and now. You can't do it alone. Without the support of Alzheimer's Society I don't know where we would have been. It has been absolutely brilliant.'

Tyneside Memory Walk featured a choice of distances - including a one mile option as well as family attractions including a performance by the Silver Choir from The Sage Gateshead.

Alzheimer's Society locality manager Debbie Keenan, said:

'We have seen people of all ages walking together to fight dementia - the response has been absolutely magnificent.

'Together everyone has taken a huge step to support the vital services that we provide for people with dementia and carers in Tyneside and our search for better treatments that are so badly needed.'

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