TV presenter and Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador Ruth Langsford is inviting people across the South West to join her by signing up to one of the charity’s 12 Memory Walks this autumn.

The annual charity event is a highlight in Ruth’s calendar, having first taken part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk 15 years ago. Each year she’s just as keen to get involved again. Supporting a cause close to her heart is important to Ruth, having witnessed her dad and now her mum living with dementia.

placeholder image — Ruth Langford is urging people to sign up to Bristol's Memory Walk on Saturday, September 6 | Andrew Higgins/Thousand Word Media Ltd

Ruth said: “By coming together and taking part in a Memory Walk, we can pave the way to dementia no longer devastating lives by helping to fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital support services today and groundbreaking research for the future.

“It is so difficult to watch someone you love fade away little by little, but I’ve also seen the incredible difference support and care can make, not just to the person with dementia but their families.”

There are around one million people living with dementia in the UK today, over 101,500 of those are in the South West, with 4,600 of them based in Bristol alone. Ruth urges people across the region to sign up to Bristol's Memory Walk on Saturday, September, 6 or join her and walk together in Potters Fields Park, London, on Sunday, October 5.

Here Ruth shares her five Memory Walks highlights and what others signing up can expect:

There’s a huge sense of togetherness, everyone is walking for a purpose, whether it’s for those you love, those you’ve lost or for everyone living with dementia – the UK’s biggest killer. I’ll be walking for my mum Joan who is living with Alzheimer’s disease and in memory of my dad Dennis. You feel part of something that’s helping to make a difference.
Money raised helps to fund Alzheimer’s Society’s vital dementia support and research. Last year, the charity’s Dementia Support Line answered nearly 60,000 calls from those in need.
It’s a way to pause and reflect, embracing the moment to add a message to the Memory Tree or share stories with friends, family and strangers who understand.
It’s great exercise and motivation to keep active in the lead up and afterwards. There are two routes on each walk, a short one or longer version, between 2km – 10km. There’s evidence to suggest that physical activity improves confidence and the wellbeing of people with dementia and may slow down mental decline.
The feeling of accomplishment. Knowing with every step and pound raised, you can help to end the devastation caused by dementia. And let’s face it, who doesn’t like to be awarded with a medal at the end!

This year there are 12 Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walks happening across the UK between September and October or people can organise their own walk this Autumn.

To sign up to Bristol's Memory Walk for free, visit www.memorywalk.org.uk.