The Alzheimer Society of Ireland launches Nationwide Memory Walk

The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (The ASI) officially launched its annual Memory Walk, which is proudly supported by Payzone, yesterday at the Iveagh Gardens.

The launch brought ambassadors and local champions from around the country together for a Mini Memory Walk around the Iveagh Gardens.

Memory Walk is a nationwide event that will take place in 35 locations on Sunday, 22nd September and gives families, friends and those living with dementia the opportunity to come together to share old memories and to make new ones.

This year’s Memory Walk features a dedicated group of ambassadors along with local champions who will each lead the 35 events across Ireland.

Ambassadors broadcaster Teena Gates, entrepreneur Ellen Kavanagh Jones, former politician Nora Owen, TV presenter Martin King, Munster’s rising star Josh Wycherley and fitness guru Dee Murphy are all due to attend today’s launch and will participate in Memory Walk on 22nd September at various locations, each walking in memory of loved ones who lived with dementia.

Local champions from the four provinces of Ireland also descended on Dublin 2 to kick-start the event.

The ASI is urging people across Ireland to show their support for Memory Walk and register online now at www.memorywalk.ie to make and share memories on Sunday, 22nd September at a location near you.

You will receive an Alzheimer’s Memory Walk Participant Pack including your t-shirt and a special pack of Forget Me Not flower seeds to sow at home to help create an annual memory each time the flowers bloom. Adult registration costs €20 and a child’s pack is €5.

Memory Walk honours, remembers, and celebrates the 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, along with their families and carers.

It also cherishes the memory of those who are no longer with us.

In 2023, 3,500 walkers participated in Memory Walk and raised over €120,000 which helped fund vital services for people with dementia, including Daycare, Daycare at Home, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, Cafés, and a National Helpline.

Speaking ahead of the launch of Memory Walk, Mairéad Dillon, Head of Fundraising for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, commented, “2024 marks the fifth year of Memory Walk in Ireland and the hope is to have over 4,000 walkers across Ireland take part in the 35 locations on 22nd September.

“Memory Walk is a really important fundraiser for the ASI but more than that, it is an opportunity to gather people living with dementia, their friends and family members to share memories and create new ones.

“It is also a time to remember those who have passed who lived with dementia and to cherish those memories.

“We are really looking forward to a great nationwide event in September to mark this year’s Memory Walk.

“I would also like to thank our partners Payzone for supporting us for the second year this year. It is greatly appreciated.”

Barry Keegan, Payzone Ireland, said: “Payzone is privileged to stand alongside the Alzheimer Society of Ireland once again for Memory Walk, a cornerstone event in their calendar.

“Our commitment to this cause is rooted in empathy and experience; many within Payzone have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by family members and loved ones living with Alzheimer’s.

“The Memory Walk is vital to the ongoing provision of essential dementia-specific services across Ireland.

“The Society garnered a remarkable amount of support during last year’s walk. Despite the weather, it was a truly uplifting morning, individuals from all walks of life across 30 locations nationwide came together to celebrate those living with the condition, sharing stories and memories!”

Share your Memory Walk experience on social media using #ASIMakingMemories #ASIMemoryWalk2024 #LetsWalkTogether.

64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland, (16967 live in Dublin) and 63% of people with dementia live in the community in Ireland.

For more information or to register for a Memory Walk near you, please visit www.memorywalk.ie