As my writing colleague Spurs boy has said earlier today here and myself a nurse who works specifically in this field, would like to inform you about Memory Walks.
When I read the word memory It evokes my senses…….thoughts, smells, sounds, tastes, sights, all memories….. A word can trigger a thousand thoughts and take me to many places. I collect stones. In fact I’ve blogged about it (http://soapgirl.tumblr.com/) each stone is a memory of a place I’ve been too. My collection is growing and now I’m worried I might forget where each stones from. Like photos where you write on the back, memories need triggers…… With alzheimers, the trigger sometimes misfires. A memory ‘becomes’ their reality. They are stuck reliving an experience as if it’s just happens, or trying to remember is like wading thru treacle…… I started my blog to capture my memories. I look back and wish I’d started it sooner……
With memories and Alzheimers in mind, September brings the month of the Memory Walk.
“Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa are today celebrating the tenth year of Memory Walk by signing a new partnership in support of the charity’s flagship fundraising event.”
Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive at Alzheimer’s Society said:
“This is one of Alzheimer’s Society’s most exciting partnerships. Partnering with Bupa means that we’ll have more resource than ever before to help fund vital services for people with dementia and their carers. Additionally Bupa have offered to match our radio advertising spend which will enable us to reach double the amount of people. This is a fantastic way to celebrate the tenth year of Memory Walk and together we can make Memory Walk 2011 an event to remember for everyone who takes part.”
Tracey Fletcher, Customer Services Director at Bupa Care Services said:
“As the UK’s leading provider of dementia care, Memory Walk is a wonderful opportunity for Bupa to continue to help more people affected by dementia and further develop our strong relationship with Alzheimer’s Society.”
Alzheimers society alzheimers.org.uk
The plans for Memory walks, in my neck of the wood ie Northern Ireland are as follows; (details kindly gathered from the alzheimers web site)
Date: Sunday 25th September 2011 – Northern Ireland Memory walk
Start time: 1pm
Meeting point: Ormeau Park, Ormeau Road, Belfast
Facilities: Toilets on site
Pets allowed
Parking
Disabled access
Length of walk: 1.25 miles per lap – do as many laps as you want!
Description of walk: The Northern Ireland Flagship Memory Walk will take place in Ormeau Park, and will be a vintage themed day for the whole family. The walk will take you around the park, where you can stop afterwards for a cup of tea with strawberries and cream or sit by the band stand and listen to the big brass band. Kids can have their faces painted, take part in games on the green or have a go on the vintage carousel.
How to get there: Entrance to the Memory Walk will be from the Ormeau Embankment entrance to the park and there will be limited parking along the embankment on the day.
If you would prefer to take the bus, take the Metro 7, A-D from the City Centre.
Contact: Fionnuala McKervey
Unit 4, Balmoral Business Park
Boucher Crescent Belfast BT12 4HU
028 9066 4100
fionnuala.mckervey@alzheimers.org.uk
We would be keen to know of anyone doing these walks and sharing their stories. Please drop a comment below. Thanks 🙂
