Alzheimer Scotland is encouraging people across North Ayrshire to come together to support people living with dementia by signing up to the North Ayrshire Memory Walk.

The annual walk, which will take place at Saltcoats Promenade on Sunday, September 24, will be one of 17 memory walks that will be taking place across Scotland at scenic locations this autumn and offers families the chance to pay tribute to someone special who is living with dementia, or who has passed away.

Whether you stride, stroll or toddle, memory walks provides a great opportunity for people to come together to help raise vital funds for dementia support services across the region.

The North Ayrshire Memory Walk is a 5k route and perfect for all ages and abilities. As well as being wheelchair, buggy and also dog-friendly, there’s no reason why the entire family can’t make the event the perfect day as well as enjoying the great outdoors.

On the day there will be bake sales, face painting and The Clydeside Singers.

Launching this year’s Memory Walk event programme, Anna Devine, Director of Fundraising and Marketing, commented: “Last year over 3,000 people walked for loved ones past and present across Scotland, to help raise vital funds to support people living with dementia so we are looking forward to increasing that number during World Alzheimer’s Month.

“With around 90,000 people living with the condition, dementia is undoubtedly the biggest health and social care challenge faced by society today. Each week Alzheimer Scotland invests over £115,000 to maintain support and community activities for people living with dementia in Scotland. With your support we can make a real and tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people across Scotland’s communities by helping us to safeguard vital projects and activities. Whether you’re fundraising in honour of your mum, dad, gran, grandpa, partner, friend, together we can take action and raise vital funds and make a real and tangible difference to the lives of thousands of people across Scotland’s communities.”

Amy McLaughlan, Community Fundraiser from Alzheimer Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to be holding our Memory Walk again in the beautiful setting of the Ayrshire coast. Over the past few years our walks have grown in popularity and it just shows how passionate the local community is to support us in our mission to help make sure nobody lives with dementia alone. The day can be mixed with emotions but is also a very uplifting and fun for everyone involved.”

Registration for a Memory Walk is £10 for adult walkers, £5 for 12-16 year olds and under 12s can walk for free. Visit www.memorywalksscotland.org to find out more and to register.

If you have any questions about dementia and of the services available in your area call Alzheimer Scotland’s free 24 hour Dementia Helpline on 0808 808 3000 or visit the website at www.alzscot.org.