Alzheimer’s Memory Walk to take place in Louth this year

The launch of the Alzheimer’s Annual Memory Walk, a nationwide event that gives families, friends and those living with dementia the opportunity to come together, honour, celebrate and raise funds for the vital support services that The Alzheimer Society of Ireland provides, took place at Merrion Square in Dublin this week.

The annual Memory Walk takes place in 30 locations across Ireland this year, including one in Louth. The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages and walking abilities to unite friends, families and communities to raise awareness and funds for dementia supports.

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is aiming to secure over 3,000 walkers across Ireland to participate and help raise funds for vital services that support so 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 578 people live with dementia in Louth, and 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland which will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

Members of the public can sign up now to participate in the 2023 Alzheimer’s Memory Walk on Sunday 24 September 2023 at www.memorywalk.ie. 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 before the walk is 12noon on Wednesday 20 September. For those who cannot walk on the day, they can still support the Memory Walk by donating at www.Alzheimer.ie. 

Mairéad Dillon, Head of Fundraising for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland commented, “The Alzheimer’s Memory Walk for 2023 is set to be our biggest and best to date and the number of ambassadors, staff, and local champions gathered at today’s launch is testament to that.

"I’d like to say a heartfelt thank you to our partners Payzone who are supporting the event and are in attendance today. With over 30 locations nationwide, there will be a Memory Walk in your locality, and it is the ideal event for the whole family to get together and walk to remember or support a loved one living with dementia.

"We are really looking forward to September 24th this year to get people together supporting people with dementia.” 

Michele Ann Kelly, Payzone Ireland, said, “Payzone is honoured to support the Memory Walk, The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s flagship event. This campaign is important to us, as it is to many.

"Every day in Ireland, 30 people develop dementia, while over 64,000 people currently live with dementia. Unfortunately, many at Payzone have first-hand experience of the effects that Alzheimer's can have on families and loved ones, a reason The Alzheimer Society of Ireland was voted as one of Payzone’s charity partners by our employees.

"We hope to support this wonderful event as best we can to play a small part as The Alzheimer Society of Ireland continues to provide vital dementia-specific services. Funds raised from the Memory Walk will help to keep these services going. The team at Payzone are excited to come together this September, honour and celebrate those with dementia, and raise much-needed funds for continued support. We encourage everyone in Ireland to join in on this great cause."