On 6 September 10 members of SI Medway and Maidstone came together for the first time since lockdown, proudly wearing our Memory Walk T-shirts and successfully completed an 8 km Memory Walk, we had organised in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society.
This was held at the beautiful Blue Bell Hill site on the North Downs and we were fortunate to have a bright sunny day for walking. Prior to lockdown members had planned to take part in the one being organised by the Alzheimer’s Society in Maidstone but understandably this had been cancelled due to government restrictions.
We were keen to raise as much money as possible and set up a JustGiving site https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jane-barnes14 for our friends and family to support us.
So far, we have had donations from 48 supporters for a total of £765 plus £151.25 gift aid and the amount is likely to increase further. With everyone’s amazing efforts we more than quadrupled our original target of £200.
Every pound raised makes a real difference for those living with dementia and their carers. Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year that is the equivalent to one person every three minutes.
Memory Walks are looking different this year, but it did not stop us as Medway and Maidstone Soroptimists walking for a world without dementia.
We finished off with a socially distanced picnic enjoying the company of members who we had not seen in 6 months and the panoramic views across the North Downs.
Everyone’s contribution was appreciated whether in completing the walk, joining the picnic afterwards, or sponsoring /encouraging friends and family was a team effort and made this a successful and enjoyable fundraiser for all.
