Celebrate World Alzheimer's Day and join record-breaking fundraiser for people with dementia

The star will step out on Sunday (23) as hundreds of sponsored walks are held across the country in support of people with dementia and their carers. And there is still time to join the Memory Walk closest to you and help smash this year's record-breaking target.

Alzheimer's Society patron Britt will accompany people with dementia and their carers as they complete a Memory Walk around Alexandra Palace in London. The course is one of more than 350 sponsored events taking place on and around this Sunday. Memory Walk is among scores of international events taking place to mark today's (21) World Alzheimer's Day 2007.

Britt says,

'Memory Walk is such a great idea, because it doesn't matter how fit you are or whether you are a toddler or an 80-year-oldgrandmother, you can still take part. Why not show your support for the fight against dementia today, on World Alzheimer's Day and join a Memory Walk with Alzheimer's Society?'

Families can join Memory Walk with regional events including a sponsored walk at Arlington Court, a National Trust property in Devon. Football supporters can touch the turf walking around Plymouth Argyle FC's home stadium. Both events are taking place this Sunday (23).

Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, says,

'The forecast for dementia in the UK is indisputable. It already affects 700,000 people and those numbers will rise to more than a million in less than 20 years. Memory Walk will raise vital funds to help us lead the fight against dementia and meet the challenge of a condition that robs people of their lives. Anyone can get involved, just by joining the Memory Walk closest to them and spending an afternoon walking with their friends and family.'

Memory Walk raised more than £176,000 in 2006 with walkers aged between a year old to 98, covering anything between a mile and 18 miles. A record 10,000 walkers are expected to join Memory Walk this year, helping to collect more than £250,000 through fundraising and sponsorship. More than 24 million people worldwide are estimated to be living with dementia. The condition affects 700,000 people in the UK and millions more relatives and carers.

Families can join this year's Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk by collecting sponsorships and joining the event closest to them.

For more information contact the charity's events hotline on 0870 417 0192.

Notes for editors

• Britt Ekland will be available for interviews and photographs at Campsbourne School, Nightingale Lane, London from 11am.
• Memory Walk at Badminton Park Estate in Gloucestershire on Sunday 30 September has been postponed until later this year.
• 1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
• 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
• 1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
• The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
• The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.