Hundreds step out to fight dementia (From Stourbridge News)
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Hundreds step out to fight dementia
12:03pm Monday 24th September 2012 in News
Stephen, Leesa and Jules and Malachi Clarke, Lisa's mother Patricia Harpin who has dementia and father, Peter, who performed at the event.
HUNDREDS of walkers stepped out to fight dementia during Alzheimer’s Society’s Black Country Memory Walk.
Sports commentator, Rupert Bell, who lost his mother to Alzheimer’s, set off over 450 people for the society’s flagship fundraising event at Dudley Zoo on Saturday, helping raise more than £20,000 for borough residents with dementia and their carers.
Participants had a choice of three walk lengths to participate in, which led fundraisers on a tour of the animals, with the longer routes also taking in Priory Park.
Lessa Clarke, aged 42, took part in the walk with her husband and two young sons, as her mum, 64 year-old Patricia Harpin, from Pedmore, has early onset dementia. Leesa’s father, Peter, also showed his support for the cause by performing in his band, Out of the Shadows, as part of the entertainment.
Leesa said: “We have firsthand experience through my mother of what effect dementia can have on a person and the family as a whole. The atmosphere today was really lovely and it’s been a fun day for the family. It’s nice to know that you are not alone and we felt comfortable being with others who understand.”
Alzheimer’s Society’s Community Fundraiser, Emma Dowler said: “Memory Walk went fantastically well and we are all really pleased. I am incredibly grateful to Dudley Zoo and Castle and my team of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the day possible. I would encourage everyone to sign up again next year so that we can raise even more money to support people with dementia and their carers.”
