Last Saturday saw Harrogate’s second Memory Walk in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. The walk was organised by Andrew Jones MP and the Alzheimer’s Society with the aim of raising £5,000 for research in to a cure for Alzheimer’s and support for those living with the disease.
Memory Walks are the Alzheimer’s Society’s highest profile fundraising events and they are taking place across the country during September.
Well over 100 people turned out to do two circuits of Harrogate’s award winning Valley Gardens and to place dedications to loved ones on a ‘memory tree’ at the start line of the event. The turnout was double the first Harrogate Memory Walk the previous year.
Many employees and residents from care homes and care services turned out to support including Boroughbridge Manor, the Manor House in Knaresborough and Carefound. They accompanied local MP Andrew Jones, John Middleton – Emmerdale vicar Ashley, Council Leader Richard Cooper and Cabinet Member for Safer Communities Councillor Mike Chambers.
Speaking after completing the walk, Andrew Jones said:
It was a fabulous turnout for a very deserving cause. Alzheimer’s isn’t just something that happens with old age. It is a disease and because it is a disease there will be a cure.
Every person who came on the walk and every person who donated is helping bring the day nearer when we beat Alzheimer’s. They are also helping support those currently living with the disease and those who will do so in the future.
Of the £5,000 target, the event has so far raised £4,213 in donations and pledges.
Mr Jones added:
We have already doubled what we raised last year but still need just short of £800 to reach our £5,000 target. People can still donate and I would encourage them to visit my JustGiving page or contact my office if they wish to make a contribution.
If you would like to donate there are many ways to do this:
- online at www.justgiving.com/harrogatememorywalk2016;
- by text to 70070 with the message ‘AJMP77 £10’ to donate £10;
- by sending a cheque payable to ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ to Andrew Jones MP, Memory Walk, 57 East Parade, Harrogate, HG1 5LQ including your name and address
