Alzheimer's Society puts best foot forward with Dunwoody

Turning his half-mile stretch into a 'Memory Walk Catwalk' they will be strutting their wellie-boot chic in Newmarket to raise awareness of Alzheimer's Society's annual fundraiser 'Memory Walk' and boost awareness of the Society's work in the local area.

Richard, whose father has dementia, will be raising vital funds for several charities including Alzheimer's Society. Pal Micky Quinn, will be on site offering a 'Celebrity fit-club' style warm up. This year is the bi-centenary anniversary of the first ever attempt of this challenge by Captain Robert Barclay. Alzheimer's Society will join Dunwoody at the 650-mile mark - a significant marker for both Richard and Alzheimer's Society, who this year aim to raise £650,000 from their own Memory Walk fundraiser.

Richard Dunwoody says,

'It's been a tough but exhilarating challenge so far. The sight of all the Memory Walk catwalkers will certainly brighten up the day. Walking is a fantastic way to keep fit and if others want a slightly easier challenge they can always sign up to a Memory Walk to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

Paul Dunnery, Area Manager, Alzheimer's Society says,

'It's fantastic that Richard has chosen to support Alzheimer's Society, keeping active is a step in the right direction to reducing your risk of dementia and walking is an easy way to get fit and explore your local area. We hope he will inspire everyone to join their local Memory Walk fundraiser this September. Local Alzheimer's Society branches provide crucial services to the 27,500 people with dementia in the region. Richard has certainly chosen an unusual fundraising challenge and we wish him the very best in reaching the finishing line.'

Notes to editors:

• Photo-call and opportunities for interviews with Alzheimer's Society spokespeople, Richard Dunwoody, Micky Quinn and local people affected by dementia are available on the day as they strut their welly boot chic on the Dunwoody mile.
• Dementia affects 27,374 people in the Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire areas combined, this is set to soar to 40,955 by 2021. Region Now 2021 Cambridge 5,953 9,225 Suffolk 9,110 13,448 Norfolk 12,311 18,282
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• 42% of the population - 25 million people - knows a close friend, family member or someone else with dementia
• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to help people live well with dementia today and for research to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
• For further information or to book an interview prior to or on race day please contact: Catriona Lonie, T. 020 7423 3576
• For more information on Memory Walk 2009 or to sign up please visit www.memorywalk.org.uk
• For more information on Richard Dunwoody's walking challenge or to support him please visit www.dunwoody1000mile.com