Alzheimer's Memory Walk takes place in Leitrim in September

Alzheimer’s Memory Walk takes place on Sunday, September 24 in over 30 locations, including Carrick on Shannon. Roscommon and Sligo.

The event allows families, friends and those living with dementia to come together, honour, celebrate and raise funds for the vital support services that The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) provides. It is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages and walking abilities to unite communities to raise awareness and funds for dementia support. 

ASI aims to secure over 3,000 walkers across Ireland to participate and raise funds for vital services supporting many people living with dementia and those who care for them. These services include Daycare, Daycare at Home, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, Cafés, and a National Helpline.

An estimated 543 people live with dementia in Leitrim. The national figure is estimated at 64,000, which according to leading dementia experts, will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

Connacht Rugby star, Cian Prendergast is the latest celebrity to get behind the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk for 2023. Cian, who recently got his first Irish Senior cap, has experienced his grandmother living with dementia and will walk for her at the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk.

Cian joins fellow ambassadors, including leading business entrepreneurs Pamela Laird and Ellen Kavanagh Jones, Comedian Neil Delamere, TV personality Martin King, Actor Bryan Murray, journalist and broadcaster Teena Gates, Miss Cork Rachel O’Leary, and Irish Rugby star Jenny Murphy.

Speaking about the Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, Cian commented, “Alzheimer’s is a disease that is close to my heart as my grandmother lived with it so I know first-hand how much it can affect the entire family. The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is a great chance to gather different generations and walk with, for or in memory of someone living with dementia.”

Registrations cost €5 for kids and €18 for adults and include a participation pack with a Memory Walk t-shirt. The closing date for registrations to receive your participation pack is noon on Wednesday, September 20. Those who cannot walk on the day can still support the Memory Walk by donating at www.Alzheimer.ie.