Major charity event chooses South Tyneside for its new home

For the first time in its history Memory Walk, the Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event, will take place in Bents Park, South Shields.

It represents something of a coup for South Tyneside as the event has been staged on the Newcastle-Gateshead Quayside for the past three years.

Last year's event was opened by Denise Robertson, the popular TV presenter and agony aunt who sadly passed away earlier this year.

But with numbers continuing to grow, the charity realised a bigger location was needed – and Bents Park has now been confirmed as the walk’s new home for the foreseeable future.

Event organisers are hoping to attract more than 4,000 to the event on Saturday, October 8, and have set a fundraising target £250,000.

Rebecca Scott, Memory Walk Officer for the Alzheimer’s Society, said: "I’m thrilled that we are bringing our flagship event to South Shields for the first time.

"Bents Park is a fantastic location that will allow the event the space to grow.

"Last year’s event was very memorable, not least of all because of the heart-warming reception Denise Robertson got when she officially launched it.

"She was a tremendous supporter of Memory Walk and it would be a fitting tribute to her if it continued to go from strength to strength in its new home."

Memory Walk sees thousands of people raising money nationwide as people of all ages walk together to celebrate loved ones affected by dementia. future.

There will be two South Shields walks over 2km and 8km.

The short route will take walkers along South Shields Promenade and around Bents Park, while the long route leads participants across a series of coastal paths to Marsden Bay and beyond.

To find out more about how to take part, visit memorywalk.org.uk

The charity is also looking for volunteers. To find out more, call Rebecca Scott on 07484090894.