Although my nan suffered with dementia late in her life, to the best of my knowledge my family has been fortunate in not suffering from this debilitating illness.

Why then am I so interested in taking part in the walk, organising a team to walk with me and fundraising for the Alzheimer's Society? 

The answer is easy I have been touched by hearing how dementia has affected the lives of close friends when their parents have been affected.  On a weekly, sometimes a daily basis I am in contact with people suffering from dementia through work.  Sometimes this can be quite distressing, other times wonderful, if sad, when you see the love and care that relatives show to their loved ones under such difficult circumstances. 

As many of you will know I also volunteered for the Woodland Trust on the VisitWoods project.  This raised awareness within me of the link between nature, woodlands in particular, and the positive affect that connecting with nature has for some dementia sufferers.  This can include rekindling childhood memories of woodland play and discovery and in the words of Agnes Houston, a dementia sufferer and Chair of the Scottish Dementia Working Group; 

"In my opinion enhances the natural endorphins. I feel more alive but have an inner glow, I sleep better, feel better and my mood is lighter...." 

This was part of a talk that she gave and I was privileged to be present at in the House of Commons in November 2013. This was celebrating the successful conclusion to the VisitWoods project and all of its achievements. 

Agnes Houston is the main inspiration for me doing this small thing to help dementia sufferers.  Her personal, emotional and awe inspiring talk will stay with me for ever. This is my thank you to her, a lady I met for brief time but who left an indelible memory within me.

Ian

Around 225,000 people develop dementia every year – that’s the equivalent to one person every three minutes. This September and October Memory Walks will be taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to raise money for a world without dementia. Arm in arm, step by step and pound by pound, we will get there. Once you donate, Just Giving will send your money directly to the Alzheimer's Society. So it’s the most efficient way to raise money – saving time and cutting costs for the charity. Please dig deep and help us walk for a world without dementia.