THE call has gone out once again to the community to lace up and show their support for the annual Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk.
Taking place on September 17 in the Falls Park, the walk, now in its fourth year continues to gather pace and walkers to raise awareness and support the work of the Alzheimer’s Society.
The walk, spearheaded by Glen Road postmistress Patricia Kennedy McDonald is open to all, including four legged friends on the day. “The walk has really gathered momentum since it first began back in 2012,” explained Patricia, “it will be very poignant this year as we are missing one of our core group, Arthur ‘Mousey’ Brown who sadly passed away. Arthur came onboard with us at the very start. His wife Joan passes away from Alzheimer’s the same year as my daddy Malachy back in 2011 and the first walk began in 2012.”
“The walks have been going really well, we have people ringing asking when the next one is going to be. We have a memory tree on the tree, it’s lovely to see.
“I must give a special mention to Melissa Largey, part of Belfast City Council’s staff who as already raised £170 so far for the walk.”
Lending his support, West Belfast MP Paul Maskey said the issue of Alzheimer’s awareness is pivotal to highlight.
“I know a lot of people who have suffered, including family members as well from Alzheimer’s. The walk gets bigger and better every year and it’s important to highlight the difficulties families face,” he said.
Joining the walk since it began, Caoímhín Mac Giolla Mhín said: “It’s great to see how much momentum the walk has gathered since it first started. Sometimes you see families who might not have the opportunity to get together and this is one occasion when that is possible. Usually we are blessed with the weather and I hope this is the case come September 17.”
The Memory Walk will take place on Saturday September 17 at 1pm at the Falls Park. The walk is open to everyone. Sponsor forms are available from the Glen Road Post Office.
