New event record set

By Yasmin Noone

Around 1,400 dementia advocates turned out in force to set a new participation record for the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW’s annual Memory Walk & Jog along the Bay Run, in Sydney’s inner west last Sunday.

The crowd of devoted athletes and first-time fun runners gathered at 7.30am at Leichhardt Park, Lilyfield, before taking off around the scenic Bay Run. Some partook in the two kilometer family fun walk, while others ran or jogged a seven and a half kilometer trek to raise money for people living with dementia.

Winding up where they started, this year’s volunteers, runners and joggers indulged in the free entertainment on offer and treats on offer at the event’s end.

According to a press release, issued before the day, the event was initially only meant to attract 1,000 participants. Exceeding the charity’s expectations by an extra 400 participants, the event also raised just over $100,000.

Overwhelmed with the level of community support received, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW, John Watkins, thanked participants for their efforts.

“It was a wonderful event and great that so many people got out to support people in need across NSW,” Mr Watkins said.

“Our fantastic supporters have already raised more than $100,000 to help people with dementia, their family and friends across NSW.”

All funds raised from this year’s Memory Walk & Jog will go towards keeping Alzheimer’s Australia NSW’s vital service, The Memory Van, on the road.

“The Memory Van is a mobile education resource that travels statewide to raise awareness on the importance of brain health and dementia risk reduction. It also provides information to help support people living with dementia, and their families and friends.

“It allows us to reach out to people all over NSW and it is especially vital where services are scarce and where people have nowhere else to turn.”

Mr Watkins also thanked the event’s ‘other’ supporters – the sponsors and volunteers – who helped make the day possible.

“I would like to particularly thank our primary supporter, Bupa, and the city supporters KinCare and Guardian Funerals,” he said.

“We would not be able to put on an event like this and raise much-needed funds for people with dementia without such generous support.”

Alzheimer’s Australia NSW is the charity for people with dementia and their families and carers. As the peak body, it provides advocacy, support services, education and information.

Almost 280,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to double by 2030.

The organisation aim to raise a grand total of $200,000 via this event and other Memory Walk & Jog events across NSW, throughout the year.