Thousands take part in Portsmouth memory walk event

Families took part in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk on Saturday which raises money for research into the illness.

With their reasons for walking written on cards pinned to their T-shirts, about 2,500 people took on the 2km and 8km routes in Southsea.

Nicky and Paul Jerrim, from Park Gate, were walking for Paul’s dad.

Paul said: ‘This is the first time we have taken part in the Memory Walk but it is great to be a part of it. It is good that the charity organises these sort of events so people can do their bit and raise money.’

Nicky added: ‘It is fantastic to see so many people.’

Vicky and Lee Cowdrey, from Gosport, were completing the 8km route for Vicky’s grandparents and Lee’s dad.

The pair had just got back from holiday but were determined to not let the jet lag slow them down.

Nurse Vicky said: ‘We were just ready to get going at the start. We were feeling a little tired but excited too. The charity means a lot to us.’

So far, Vicky and Lee have raised more than £700 between them.

Everyone who took part in the walk was asked to raise money and Memory Walk officer George Chandler said this was a record-breaking year.

‘This is the highest number of people we have had take part and the most money we’ve raised,’ he said.

‘It is fantastic to see so many people. It is such an emotional day with people sharing their stories as they walk.’

Former EastEnders star Emma Barton, who was born in Portsmouth and went to Horndean Community School also took part.