The Ipswich Defeat Dementia Walk returns next month having raised a massive £22,000 at the inaugural event last year.
The ten-mile hike around the town, which starts and finishes at the Ipswich’s waterfront, will see hundreds of walkers take to the streets on Saturday, October 14.
Set up by volunteers Jessica Baldry, Hilary Fulton, Victoria Meadows and Rory Marriott, this year’s walk has attracted a new charity partner, Alzheimer’s Research UK, and increased the number of walkers by 200.
Event Manager Jessica Baldry said: “What started as a fundraiser for family and friends quickly escalated into a regional initiative; we are all walking for someone close to us and the 10-mile walk gives us the opportunity to reflect on a loved one and engage with other walkers who have also experienced the speed and severity of dementia.
“The event team and myself are delighted to launch our second walk and are excited to have Alzheimer’s Research UK on board.
“We now need people of Ipswich to join us on the Ipswich Defeat Dementia Walk 2017 and together we will walk for a world without dementia”.
Jessica Sayer, regional fundraising officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK said: “We can’t thank Jessica, Hilary, Victoria and Rory enough for organising such a fantastic event for Alzheimer’s Research UK in honour of the 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, and we can’t wait to see everyone come together for the cause.
“Dementia is the biggest killer in England and Wales and one in three children born today will develop the condition.
“Alzheimer’s Research UK is on a mission to end the fear, harm and heartbreak caused by dementia through its pioneering research into treatments and preventions for dementia.
“Of course, we couldn’t do it without our dedicated supporters, so thank you to each and every person who is taking part for all their efforts.”
Walkers will make their way from Ipswich waterfront to Gippeswyk Park, Chantry Park, Ipswich Town Football Club, the town centre, Christchurch Park, Alexandra Park, Holywells Park to the finishing line at Cult Café.
Contact defeatdementiawalk@outlook.com for a registration form. To sponsor the event see www.justgiving.com/IpswichDefeatDementiaWalk
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