Walkers around Manchester and Salford were invited to light up the night for an annual charity fundraiser in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.
The charity’s Glow Walk took place at the Piazza, Media City in Salford on Saturday to help raise vital funds for life-changing dementia support.
Participants were encouraged to sign up and shine a light on dementia by adding glitter, neon and glow sticks to their attire on the night.
Julie Baum, who lives in Bury, Greater Manchester, has firsthand knowledge of the condition because her father died of vascular dementia.
She first saw Alzheimer’s Society’s Glow events advertised on Facebook, and as they were in the evening she decided to join as a volunteer.
She said: “I volunteer for things I think I would enjoy and it’s good to know you can help a charity like Alzheimer’s Society by donating your time. If someone doesn’t want to fundraise or isn’t in a position to do so, they could always give some time instead”.
More than 30,000 people in Manchester are estimated to have dementia.
Julie’s father died in his eighties and she took on the responsibility of caring for him till then as her mum had already passed.
She faced difficulties trying to balance her time between her father and work though is grateful to have spent his last month with him at home.
Julie volunteered at the event for the second time due to the added incentive of helping care for her brother – recently diagnosed with Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA).
This is a rare type of dementia – leading to his gradual sight loss.
Learning from her father’s experience, she now helps her sister-in-law with her brother a few hours a week. He is prone to mini strokes and can no longer do many of the things he used to enjoy such as writing and birdwatching.
Julie said: “It’s also really difficult for his wife as they only have support from carers twice a day and it’s not really enough. I try to give her a few hours to herself every week.”
Whether it’s to remember a loved one or spend time with family and friends for a good cause, Alzheimer’s Society is urges walkers of all ages and abilities to get involved.
Watch this for more information on the Glow Walk:
Find out more at alzheimers.org.uk/Glow
