This year’s Illawarra Memory Walk and Jog was the most successful yet, organisers said on Sunday, with more than 900 people running, walking and volunteering for the Alzheimer’s fundraising event.
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Event ambassador McLeod’s Daughters actress Doris Younane said she had been impressed by the turnout and enthusiasm of all participants, who completed the track despite Sunday morning’s oppressive heat.
‘‘It was an amazing turnout and there were so many stories from the locals about people going through different things with Alzheimer’s,’’ Ms Younane said.
A pack of athletic runners and joggers - who were completing a 7.5 kilometre course - led the pack when the race started at 8.45am, while scores of kids, parents and grandparents completing the two kilometre course followed behind.
A number of Illawarra politicians also joined in, including Sharon Bird, Anna Watson, Ryan Park, Gordon Bradbery and Marianne Saliba.
Alzheimer’s Australia NSW chief executive John Watkins commended all who took part.
‘‘We are thrilled with the level of support and community spirit shown at today’s Memory Walk and Jog,’’ he said.
‘‘Participants included people with dementia and their families and friends, along with people running or walking in memory of a loved one they have lost to the condition, as well as those just wanting to support a good cause.’’
The Memory Walk has been run in the Illawarra for the past six years and is designed to raise awareness and money for the more than 320,000 Australians living with dementia.
More than $40,000 has been raised from the Illawarra event so far, with more funds expected to be banked by participants in the coming weeks.