My Father, Thunderbirds creator and cult TV icon, Gerry Anderson, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease 18 months ago, and recently spoke publicly for the first time about the condition: "I was upset when I found out I had dementia but I try to stay positive and enjoy every day. My dementia hasn't just affected me; it's affected my friends and family too. That's why I'm encouraging people to sign up for Memory Walk and help Alzheimer's Society support so many other people with my condition."
We are hoping to help the Alzheimer's Society raise a record amount of money from their Memory Walks this year, and part of that is to take part ourselves.
Dad and I will be walking at the Windsor Memory Walk on 13th October, along with a strong contingent of friends, family, and fans - please donate and join us.
I will also be walking all three of the Society's marathon Memory Walks throughout the month September.
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: "We're so grateful to Gerry for supporting Memory Walk. By speaking out about his dementia he's spreading the message much further that it can happen to anyone. Memory Walk is Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout September. Please join Gerry by signing up for Memory Walk and help us fight dementia together."
Memory Walk is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes and provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together at the weekend whilst helping raise money to support people with dementia. From shorter walks to Memory Walk 'marathons' there's something available for the whole family.
There are currently 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK. The money raised by Memory Walk will help support people with dementia all over the country.
The Memory Walk dates for 2012 are as follows:
Manchester 9th September
Portsmouth 15th September
Gloucester 16th September
Surrey 16th September
Hertfordshire 16th September
Cardiff 16th September
Dudley 22nd September
Brighton 22nd September
London 23rd September
Belfast 23rd September
Aintree 23rd September
York 23rd September
Nottingham 23rd September
Tyneside 30th September
Leeds Castle 30th September
Windsor 13th October
To register for Memory Walk 2012 visit memorywalk.org.uk
