Well: the CareShield Walkers had a whale of a time on our Memory Walk in aid of dementia research on Saturday morning.  The atmosphere was brilliant, the sun shone (at least at first!), the oldest person walking was 90 – yes, 90! – and the event was opened by the actor Kevin Whately (Robbie Lewis in Inspector Morse and Lewis, Nev Hope in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Dr. Kerruish in Peak Practice.)

Stand outs included this young lad in an amazing Batman costume, who really looked as if he meant business. Rollicking bazookers Robin - dementia could be banished in a twinkling if Batman got on the case!

And the tongue-in-cheek policeman with the fabulous knees who helped contribute to the friendly, supportive atmosphere:

What was wonderful was the warm welcome offered to all the furry four-legged supporters – which was a joy to see.  They certainly added a sense of joie de vivre – they had it all: walking, pals, meeting potential new pals, loads of wonderful sniffs as the walks progressed and dreams of dropped burgers and/or cheese to round a fab morning off!

The whole event was very moving, especially writing - and then reading others - comments for the Memory Tree. Many brought a lump to the throat; not surprising given the sheer number of memories of loved ones no longer with us the occasion engendered.

CareShield Walkers undertook the Bedford Memory Walk - one of numerous walks held around the UK organised by the Alzheimer’s Society - to mark World Alzheimer’s Month. It’s sobering to think that every 3 minutes someone is diagnosed with a form of dementia. We’ve helped contribute to this massive effort to raise £6.5m for research into this cruel disease – and have achieved everything we set out to.  So thank you to everyone who’ve sponsored our efforts and we really appreciate your support.  Team work in action at every level. Arm in arm, step by step and pound by pound, we will get there.

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