Jerry Thatcher stepped out in memory of mum Kate with friends, and families from around Sudbury to lead the Sudbury Memory Walk to raise money for people with dementia and their carers. The weather was kind and there was a brilliant atmosphere from the start. With an amazing band to entertain the walkers at the start and an (…) amazing group of Second World War re-enactors to take us back through time. We had fruit snacks from Waitrose and lots of pastries and water from Care UK to ensure that everyone was well set for a wonderful afternoon of walking.
Cllr Jan Osborne was joined by her 8 year old granddaughter Esmile said ‘it was lovely to see so many people coming together to fight dementia. I am happy to know that my contribution, as well as that of other living in our community, will make a real difference to improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. Thank you to all who came.’
Jerry who sadly said goodbye to mum Kate just a couple of weeks before the event said; ‘Don’t “Talk the Talk, Walk the Walk”. I started saying that in September and people listened, and then they started to Talk and more individuals and local Charities started to Talk……then all of a sudden the Talk stopped and lets “Walk the Walk” started and they came along young, very young, old, older; some on their own, some with partners or friends. To date it is expected that at least £1000 will be raised for the Alzheimer’s Society. A further £277.94 for the Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance.’
It is Jerry’s hope that he can now raise £2,500 to set up a two year programme of regular monthly meetings for carers looking after people with dementia in the Sudbury. A crowd funding page has been set up to achieve this goal!
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jeremy-thatcher
Walkers began from the Kingfisher Leisure Centre and 152 people completed a distance of 1 miles, 3 miles and 5miles along the picturesque Valley Walk.
Tracey Loynds Chair of the Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance said ‘The Sudbury Memory Walk was the perfect opportunity to show our support for those living in our community with dementia. We were overwhelmed by the number people who joined us, all of which had their own story.’
The Memory Walk, organised by Jerry, and his support team from South Suffolk Leisure, Care UK and Babergh District Council, raised funds for the Hadleigh Dementia Action Alliance and the Alzheimer’s Society says a big thank you and well done to all of those that took part, volunteered and supported this wonderful event. We could not have done it without each and every one of you.
Contacts: Lisa Dagnall lisa.dagnall@ssleisure.co.uk 01473 823470