Sign up for the Memory Walk

The Memory Walk Marathon Northern Ireland starts and ends in Portballintrae and takes walkers along 26 miles of the beautiful Causeway Coastal Way, passing numerous landmarks of outstanding natural beauty including the iconic Giant’s Causeway.

Valerie Feeney lives in Coleraine and is taking part in the event with three friends from her local Fitness First gym.

She said: “I’m taking in part in the Memory Walk Marathon because it’s a proper challenge and will also raise vital funds to help support people with dementia.

“The girls and I are hoping to complete the walk in 8 hours including breaks, and have been training together in the gym most mornings.

“Alzheimer’s Society is such a good cause and I would encourage other keen walkers in the Coleraine area to sign up join us on the trek.”

There are 18,286 people living with dementia in Northern Ireland.

William O’Gorman and his wife, Sarah (75) attend a dementia support group in Coleraine which is run by Alzheimer’s Society and are supporting Memory Walk.

William said: “My wife, Sarah has been showing signs of Alzheimer’s for a good few years, but until recently, the doctor kept putting it down to her age. Now that we have a diagnosis, we have been able to access a local support group provided by Alzheimer’s Society.

“We have found the information incredibly helpful, and it’s good for Sarah to know that she is not alone. I’m supporting Memory Walk as I want to make sure that services like these are maintained and expanded.’

Alzheimer’s Society’s Chief Executive, Jeremy Hughes said: “The Memory Walk Marathon Northern Ireland is an excellent opportunity for families and friends to get together and enjoy a day to remember with a difference. The day long event will take walkers through some of the most beautiful parts of Northern Ireland, encompassing the iconic Giant’s Causeway.

“Anyone who enjoys walking and a bit of a challenge will love this event. We want this year’s Memory Walk Marathon to be even more successful than last year, so put on your walking shoes and sign up.!

People can sign up by visiting alzheimers.org.uk/mwmarathons

* Anyone who would like to support the Alzheimer’s Society by taking on a gentler challenge than the marathon is able to register free at memorywalk.org.uk for the Northern Ireland Memory Walk, taking place in the beautiful surroundings of Ormeau Park, Belfast on Sunday, September 23.