- Alzheimer Scotland fundraising weekend
- Scotland’s Memory Walk 2021
- Takes place this weekend 18-19 September
- New all-in-one fundraising platform at memorywalk.alzscot.org
- Participants can choose to walk where they like to celebrate someone they love
- Connect with other supporters in an online group full of amazing people with a shared mission
- Every penny raised in Scotland stays in Scotland to fulfil Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone.
An Edinburgh woman who is taking part in Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk this weekend (18-19 September) is urging others to sign up and take part.
Samantha Anderson (49) from Edinburgh, plans to walk 13 miles on Saturday, September 18 in memory of her mum Pauline who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and dementia in 2018 and passed away last year, aged 73.
Her parents were childhood sweethearts, they met when they were only six and nine and got married aged 16 and 18, so Samantha plans to walk 13 miles from Newcraighall Road to Broomhouse where they first met.
Samantha said: “It was subtle changes at first with mum and then the illness took hold of her all of a sudden.
“We had services and treatment lined up but the pandemic hit and a lot was put on hold and sadly her condition deteriorated quickly.
“I’m doing the Memory Walk because I want to give a little bit back to Alzheimer Scotland.
“The information and advice we got from them during mum’s illness was invaluable. They gave us lots of ideas for things we could do to help her such as listening to songs she liked, looking through photo albums and just making her laugh.
“I’d definitely encourage others to take part, it’s a great day out and a wonderful way to remember a loved one while raising money for a really good cause.”
Scotland’s Memory Walk takes place 18-19 September and a new fundraising platform has been launched to ensure that people taking part can feel connected and share their experience as one big community.
The idea behind Scotland’s Memory Walk is simple. People can choose where they want to walk, and with whom.
That means participants can choose somewhere that has a special meaning for them at a time that suits them over the weekend.
And with so many great places to choose from nearby such as Calton Hill or Arthur’s Seat you can create special memories with friends and family that will last a lifetime.
The distance doesn’t matter, whether it’s 1km, 5km or 500km. It might even be a lap of the garden.
Best of all, it’s free of charge for everyone who takes part, although everyone is encouraged to raise as much as they can.
Participants will have the option to create a team with friends, family or colleagues and fundraise via their own personalised Memory Walk page.
Everyone who supports the campaign will also be able to earn rewards and badges, there are also prizes and medals up for grabs this year.
Every penny raised as a result of Scotland’s Memory Walk will go directly towards the support Alzheimer Scotland offers across Scotland, including their 24-hour Freephone Dementia Helpline (0808 808 3000).
Dementia Advisor for Edinburgh, Elizabeth Campbell, said: “My role is fully funded through fundraised money and Scotland’s Memory Walk is one of the biggest fundraising events we have.
“But it’s not just about the fundraising. Scotland’s Memory Walk brings communities together, children, adults and older adults.
“Many participants have something in common; they are walking for someone they care about, a person living with dementia, a carer or in memory of a loved one.
“We hope Scotland’s Memory Walk gives people the chance to honour their loved ones and feel connected to the dementia community across the country.
“It doesn’t matter where you are, or your ability, you can take part and help us to fulfil Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to make sure nobody faces dementia alone.”
To sign up to Scotland’s Memory Walk, visit: memorywalk.alzscot.org