Helen Bradley (dancer Samba Galêz), Kira Everett, Aimee Parker (Alzheimer’s Society), Kelsey Marshall and Beth Houghton (Surdo player Samba Galêz)
Performers from Samba Galêz samba band have joined forces with local fundraisers to launch Alzheimer’s Society’s Cardiff Memory Walk, which will take place in Bute Park on Saturday 13 September 2014.
The band, who will also be performing on the day of the walk, were joined by 16-year-old Kelsey Marshall and her friend, who have signed up to take part and want others to do the same.
Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout the autumn to raise money for people affected by dementia and their carers.
Kelsey Marshall, 16, from Tonyrefail is taking part in the Cardiff Memory Walk with her friend Kira Everett. Kelsey’s grandmother, Marlene Marshall was diagnosed with dementia in 2013 and sadly passed away in February 2014 aged 81. Kelsey’s grandfather Michael Marshall, 85, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years ago and now lives in a care home where Kelsey regularly visits him.
Kelsey said: ‘I saw an advert for Cardiff Memory Walk on television and wanted to get involved to walk in honour of both my grandparents and to help raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. It is an opportunity to meet lots of other people who have been through similar experiences to my family and understand what it is like to have a loved one with dementia. I’m really looking forward to the day and would encourage people to sign up if they haven’t already.’
Aimee Parker, community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society in south east Wales explained how as well as looking for people to take part in the walk, they are also looking for volunteers on the day. She said: ‘Memory Walk is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to get together and enjoy a day to remember. Volunteers play a key role on the day and we are now looking for enthusiastic people who are passionate about improving the lives of people living with dementia to join us on the day and help us to make the event a huge success.
‘Thanks to the efforts of our volunteers, Alzheimer’s Society is able to reach even more people and raise even more money to support people with dementia.’
The Cardiff Memory Walk takes place in the magnificent Bute Park, in the shadow of Cardiff Castle. Participants at the Cardiff Memory Walk can choose between a gentle 2km walk or a more challenging 10km walk.
Live music, fundraising stalls and refreshments will be waiting upon walkers’ return at the finish line. People can also take the opportunity to share a memory of a loved one at the Memory Tree.
To register or for more information visit memorywalk.org.uk/cardiff
Call for volunteers
Alzheimer’s Society is looking for volunteers on the day of the walk to help steward walkers along the route and provide encouragement. They would be needed from 9am until roughly 4pm on Saturday 13 September. Please contact Aimee Parker for more info on 02920 475573 or by emailing [email protected].
