SunLive - Memory walk honours those affected by dementia

A river of purple flowed today as people took to the streets around Mount Maunganui to raise awareness of dementia.

The Alzheimers Tauranga Memory Walk, now in its fifth year, falls during World Alzheimer's Month and is for people of all ages and abilities to honour family and community members that have been or are affected by dementia.

'The walk is primarily to raise awareness around dementia because it's a massive issue for those who have got it or are supporting someone who has got it,” says Alzheimers Tauranga general manager Glenn Bradley. 'It's also an issue for society because the number of people with dementia has increased and will keep increasing as our population ages.

A pipe band leads the walkers out of Coronation Park

Walkers wearing purple tee shirts, tutus and leis, and with purple wigs, hats and bows on their heads, were led off on their walk by a group of bagpipe players on a route that was wheelchair and family friendly.

The Memory Walk left from Coronation Park at 10am and took particpants along a 4km course along Salisbury Ave to Pilot Bay, then along the boardwalk to Adams Ave, past the camping ground to Marine Parade, where they continued to Banks Ave, returning to Coronation Park.

Walkers on the boardwalk in Pilot Bay

Funds raised will assist Alzheimers Tauranga to support people living with dementia, carers, family, whanau and friends to live as well as possible. The organisation works with individuals and families to provide personalised education and support, and offers support groups, activity groups and a volunteer companion and befriender programme.

There was no registration fee for joining the Memory Walk, but any donations would be greatly appreciated by Alzheimers Tauranga.

For more information contact Glenn on (07) 577 6344 or email tauranga@alzhiemers.org.nz