‘Of course I will’: Hosting your own Memory Walk

If there isn’t already a Memory Walk event near you this autumn, you can still host your own, as Christine Bridges discovered last year.

When Christine and Kevin Bridges saw a Memory Walk ad on TV last year, he asked her if it was talking about his condition. Kevin was diagnosed with vascular dementia two years ago, aged 65. 

When Christine confirmed that Memory Walk was all about helping people like him, he surprised her with a request she won’t forget. 

‘He said, “You should do that for me.” I looked at him and said, “If you want me to walk for you, then of course I will.”’
 

Christine Bridges and others, wearing Memory Walk t-shirts

Christine (in hi-vis jacket) with supporters on the Memory Walk she hosted

Your walk. Your way 

Christine checked online and, even though Alzheimer’s Society organises many Memory Walks, she couldn’t find one near to them in Worcestershire. Fortunately, she found the perfect solution. 

‘There was a tab that said “Your walk. Your way”, so I clicked on that and registered to host my own,’ says Christine, who works for a local bus company. 

‘I decided to walk one of our well known bus routes, the 58 service that covers most of Redditch and is 8.3 miles long.’ 

After confirming a date for her Memory Walk, Christine promoted it on social media. 

‘I went onto Facebook and created an event, and invited family and friends to join me. I bought T-shirts for my team and set up a JustGiving page, which I shared on Facebook and Twitter.’

Walk and talk 

Not only did Christine raise almost twice her £500 target, her walk also united people in doing something meaningful. 

‘I was joined by family and friends, as well as a local councillor and a couple of police community support officers. 

‘One lady joined us who had lost her husband to this dreadful condition three weeks before. She had seen my walk advertised and decided to do something in his name. 

‘It gave us all the chance to walk and talk about our memories. Doing this will stay with me, knowing it was Kevin who asked me to do it. You will be surprised at how many people know someone who has some form of dementia and want to be involved.’ 

Christine wants everyone to join their nearest Memory Walk or to host their own, regardless of how much you’re able to fundraise. 

‘Every penny counts, so don’t worry about not raising hundreds – it’s about raising awareness as well.’
 

Who will you walk for?

Join us at a Memory Walk this autumn

Register now

Dementia together magazine: Aug/Sept 19

Dementia together magazine is for everyone in the dementia movement and anyone affected by the condition.
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Dementia together magazine is for everyone in the dementia movement and anyone affected by the condition.
Subscribe now
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