Auf Wiedersehen Pet star calling on support after South Tyneside fundraiser cancelled

With the coronavirus pandemic bringing large fundraising events to a halt, it is seeking to replicate the success of the 2019 Memory Walk in Bents Park, South Shields, with hundreds of smaller walks.

A total of 1,330 people attended last year’s event in aid of the dementia charity.

For Kevin, who in previous years has joined thousands walking to beat dementia, it will be a much quieter affair this year.

The Auf Wiedersehen Pet and Inspector Morse actor, said: “Over 700,000 people with dementia in the UK will be feeling lonelier than ever during this lockdown.

“By completing your own Memory Walk, you’ll be ensuring they get the help they need when they need it most. I’ll be walking for my mum Mary, who will you walk for?”

The charity expects many of its supporters will arrange walks to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day on September 21. However, it stresses that walks can take place any time between now and October.

This year’s Santander-sponsored Memory Walk is free to sign-up for – go to www.memorywalk.org.uk – and people will receive support to organise their own walk.

They may choose to walk alone, with members of their household or another household – in line with the latest Government guidelines.

Judith King, head of region for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus and not just in terms of deaths as our survey found shocking levels of decline, as dementia symptoms increase since people have had to stay isolated in their homes.

“More than half a million people have used Alzheimer’s Society’s support services since the start of the pandemic, with many calling them a lifeline.

"Like many charities, Alzheimer’s Society has been badly hit financially despite its services being in more need than ever before.

"This is why it has never been more important to raise money to help us reach and support more people through our vital services.”

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