Broadcaster to Launch London Memory Walk

Memory Walk is Alzheimer's Society's flagship event and every September it is held in numerous locations across the country. The London Memory Walk, sponsored by healthcare provider Simplyhealth, is due to take place on Sunday 26 September at the Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park, Lambeth.

Tania has personal experience of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's as her own father had the condition and passed away in November 2007. Since that time, Tania has been totally committed to campaigning on behalf of Alzheimer's Society and helping other families affected by dementia.

Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Tania says,

'I know what it's like to care for a loved one with dementia. I believe that Memory Walk offers people the great opportunity to make a difference to the lives of carers and people across the capital living with dementia.'

This year, the Memory Walk Team is hoping to recruit at least 500 walkers and generate even more than the £34,000 raised at last year's event.  Participants can choose to complete distances of 2.5, 6 or 10 miles. Flamenco dancers, folk singers, various stalls and fun activities will be on offer to visitors at the walk.

Maggie Owolade, London Area Manager says,

'This is a great opportunity for Londoners to have a fun day out and help support the Alzheimer's Society's work in the capital. Every penny raised makes such a difference to the lives of Londoners living with dementia.'

If you would like to help raise funds for dementia services in London, visit memorywalk.org.uk/london or contact Meg Edwards, Community Fundraiser on 020 7264 5996 and help fight dementia every step of the way.

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Notes to editors:

Memory Walk is the flagship fundraiser for people with dementia and their carers. Last year's event was the biggest ever thanks to 14,500 people who raised more than £480,000 by participating in Memory Walks around the country. The charity is hoping to raise £750,000 during Memory Walk 2010 and attract more than 20,000 walkers.

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years 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 works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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  

Simplyhealth

• Simplyhealth are the sponsors of Memory Walk 2010
• Previously known as HSA, BCWA, LHF, HealthSure and Totally Active, our family of health companies have joined together over the last 8 years to form Simplyhealth
• At Simplyhealth, we have been providing healthcare solutions for nearly 140 years, dedicated to serving our customers through a variety of cash plans, dental plans, private medical insurance, healthcare trusts and mobility and living aids
• Simplyhealth is a trading name of Simplyhealth Access, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
• As of December 2009, Simplyhealth had 1.3 million customers providing cover for some 2.3 million people
• Simplyhealth is committed to making a positive impact on its communities. Each year, we help health related charities and causes to the tune of at least £1million

For further information please contact:
Caroline Lakeman, Public Relations Manager 0844 579 2274/07795 294447
Lynsey Thorp, Public Relations Executive 0844 579 2266