Frome woman urges people to unite against dementia at Bristol Memory Walk

People across the generations are being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer’s Society’s Bristol Memory Walk. 

Sally Pillinger, whose mum died with dementia just over three years ago, is urging people to register for the event to help the charity raise money for research and services.

Alzheimer’s Society is pledged to invest £150million in the next decade in the search for better treatment and work towards a cure.

Sally, who lives in Frome, has taken part in three Memory Walks before this one. She takes part, as well as volunteering with the charity’s Side by Side service, in memory of her mum.

Sally explained, “As a family, I know we, being ignorant of what dementia actually means, didn’t always do the right things by our mum. We didn’t know, so how could we? However, leaving aside any regrets, I am determined to do what little I can now, as well as finding out as much as I can about dementia, its progress and what can be done to help. I’ve also done a couple of 10K runs. Those hurt and may not be repeated, so onward with the Memory Walks – they are doable and relatively pain-free.

“I like to think that I am walking for my grandson and our children, in the hope that, soon, the shattering effects of dementia and the erosion of personality that it brings are no more. I wish, and hope. Meanwhile, we do what we can to just do something, however little, so that those with more knowledge and power can do more of what they already do so well.”

This year Sally is taking part in the Bristol Memory Walk and asking for supporters to follow suit by going to memorywalk.org.uk.

More than 1,000 supporters have already registered to take part in the Bristol Memory Walk, which will take place on Saturday 8th September.

Sally recalls the atmosphere at previous Memory Walks saying, “All around us were people supporting the same worthwhile and meaningful cause, all with a tale to tell, some chatting amongst themselves, some quietly walking, most with personal experience of dementia, some directly, some through their loved ones, some through their patients. Everyone was wearing a placard saying why they were walking, some with photographs, some saying ‘For everyone with dementia.’  Mine was personal – my Mum, of course. I have worn this one for each Memory Walk, although we receive a new one to personalise each year.  Seems wrong to throw it away and start again.” 

As well as taking part in the Memory Walk, Sally also volunteers with Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side service. Working both in the community and at the Royal United Hospital in Bath, Sally helps to tackle loneliness and isolation amongst people living with dementia.

She said, “As well as thinking about mum whilst I was taking part in Memory Walk, I was thinking of the people I see weekly in our local hospital, who are coping with the multiple and unsettling difficulties of being physically unwell and in hospital while having dementia. 

“Another person who came to mind often was the lady I visit, also weekly, at her home. This lady, who is living with dementia, shares my love of gardening. We go out together, mostly to the garden centre, and every week we find out we have more and more in common. We genuinely enjoy one another’s company. I welcome her wisdom and knowledge and she welcomes some company to do those things which she doesn’t feel able to do alone. 

“My hospital and home visits are each part of the Side by Side service run by Alzheimer’s Society – another example of the support they offer, along with Memory Cafes, Singing for the Brain and online support through its Talking Point Forum.”

More than 4,600 people locally are living with dementia and last year’s event – attended by 1,700 people – raised more than £112,000 to fund research and provide support.

Lorna Robertson, Alz-heimer’s Society operations manager for Bristol, Gloucestershire and South Gloucestershire said, “We are urging people to unite against dementia and register now at memory walk.org.uk”

Right: Sally Pillinger at an Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk in 2016.