Walkers' extra effort for Alzheimer's appeal

IT WAS the biggest turnout yet for the annual Memory Walk. More than 500 people took part yesterday in the event organised by the Guernsey Alzheimer's Society.

Money raised will be split between the society and the Maison Million Home Appeal depending on what walkers have chosen.

Many set off from Chouet earlier than the 11am start time. Among them was a team called Dad's Army.

'We're walking on behalf of my husband, Len. He's had strokes and suffers from dementia and is also a patient at the King Edward, so there's a good purpose for us to it,' said Margaret Marriette, who was walking with her daughter, Sue Robinson, grandson Alex, 10, and Ali Brown.

'We've called ourselves Dad's Army because he's a follower of the sit. com.'

She added it was wonderful to see so many other people taking part. There were three options for the entrants.

The full eight-mile walk covered the coastal paths from Chouet to Cobo and through the nature trail to Saumarez Park, where there was a barbecue.

Two shorter routes were available - one beginning at the start of the trail and another simply going around the park. The appeal, backed by the Guernsey Press, is seeking to raise the £1m. needed to allow building work to start on a 29-bed Alzheimer's and dementia care unit.

'As the appeal organiser I'm delighted that the Alzheimer's Society has made this walk partially in aid of Maison Million,' said David Hodgetts.

'We're enormously grateful for the support of the society and together will ensure that the island has this marvellous facility to help those who suffer from Alzheimer's.'

Society chairman Jurat Mike Tanguy said the turnout for the walk was amazing. 'It's just been fantastic. I'm astonished that we as a small society can engage this sort of support for the Maison Million Home Appeal,' he said.

'This is the biggest turnout yet. We must have doubled last year's number, which is really tremendous.'

Speaking at Saumarez Park where people were gathering after the walk, he added it had brought about a real holiday atmosphere.

Alzheimer's Society fund-raising co-ordinator Liz Head was also thrilled with the turnout, which included a 160 -strong team from the Royal Bank of Canada.

'Since 10am we've had a constant stream of people checking in and setting off and we're very excited.'

The support was terrific, she said.

'It is on all these walks. I've just found one of the carers for my sister is walking: it's just really heartening.'

Bailiff Geoffrey Rowland was one of those who took part.

'Alzheimer's affects all families in one way or another,' he said just before heading off from Chouet.

'I launched the Maison Million Home Appeal and so am walking to raise money for that to ensure we reach £1m. this year. I'm delighted that the support is greater then ever for the Memory Walk this year.'