Edinburgh residents urged to take part in Scotland’s Memory Walk

  • Scotland’s Memory Walk 2021 launched 
  • Alzheimer Scotland fundraising weekend 
  • Set for 18-19 September
  • New fundraising platform at memorywalk.alzscot.org goes live  
  • Participants can choose to walk where they like across the country, celebrating those 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 fulfill Alzheimer Scotland’s mission to ensure that nobody faces dementia alone  

Edinburgh residents are being asked to sign up to Alzheimer Scotland’s Memory Walk this year to raise funds and vital awareness of dementia in Scotland. 

Scotland’s Memory Walk takes place on 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). 

Margaret Northedge (62) from Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, who lives with dementia, said: “I didn’t want to get involved with Alzheimer Scotland’s groups at the start, but once I was there they made me so welcome and I looked forward to going again.

“When I was diagnosed, I was actually lost, it was a very sad time for me, so being able to receive support from the Dementia Centre and other people was a lifeline, because I was going down a slippery slope of depression.”

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