Sign up for the Newport Walk for Dementia 2022
Following the continued success of Newport’s annual Walk for Dementia; Newport County AFC and Newport Live will once again be teaming up to raise vital awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, with the official event taking place at The Riverfront Theatre & Arts Centre on Sunday 24th April.
The 2021 walk was held virtually with participants being encouraged to take part at any point during April and complete ‘3k Your Way’. Despite the challenging circumstances, participants raised over £8,500 (including gift aid) for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.
Due to this success and the wonderful feedback received from all that took part, participants will once again be encouraged to walk ‘3k Your Way’, committing to walk 3k in a variety of personal challenges, examples being every Sunday, every day or even run the 3k at any point during April 2022, registration opens today with the official Newport Walk for Dementia will take place on 24th April at The Riverfront Theatre at 11am.
With an estimated 2,000 people living with dementia in Newport, and 50,000 people living with dementia in Wales, the money raised from the walk will make a real difference to supporting families affected by the disease. This also support’s Newport’s commitment to being dementia-friendly city, helping to reduce the stigma associated with dementia, and helping those living with the condition feel confident, understood, and supported as a valuable part of society in their local community.
Steve Ward, Chief Executive at Newport Live, said “After such a challenging time, we are delighted that we will be able to welcome back Newport’s Walk for Dementia as an outdoor event for the city, which will be held in line with Welsh Government guidance. We know the importance of physical activity, so encouraging people to get outdoors and complete their 3k is so important to mental and physical wellbeing. It’s an excellent partnership with Newport County AFC in support of those living with Dementia, I'm delighted we can host this at the Riverfront once again this year.
Newport County AFC director Kevin Ward said: “We’re excited to be continuing our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Newport Live to bring the Newport Walk for Dementia back for another year.
"Last year's fundraising eclipsed the first event, which was a fantastic effort considering participants weren't able to walk together due to Covid restrictions.
"There is an important debate taking place around the potential links between football and dementia, and it is right that County, as a professional football club, support efforts to help organisations like Alzheimer’s Society Cymru to raise both awareness and funds."
Andrew Hall, Community Fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said “It’s been a pleasure to support Newport County AFC and Newport Live and see so many people coming together to honour or remember their loved ones and raise much needed funds for the Alzheimer’s Society. The pandemic has been catastrophic for people affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s Society’s services across the UK, like our Dementia Connect support line, being used over six million times since lockdown began in March 2020.
Every pound raised by Newport’s Walk for Dementia will help support round 50,000 people in Wales living with dementia, improve care, fund research, and create lasting change. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved and we are really looking forward to 2022.”
John Harrhy, Chair for Newport Live said “I’d like to give a huge thank you and well done to everyone who took part in previous events and who have raised money for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.
“We thrilled we have been able to confirm the 2022 event will welcome people to walk 3k their way, and to join us for the walk around Newport on April 24th. We’re so grateful to everyone who takes part and are so pleased to once again be working with Alzheimer’s Society Cymru and Newport County AFC to help raise vital funds and support those affected by dementia.”
To sign up to the ‘Newport Walk for Dementia – 3k Your Way’ and to take on your walk, jog or cycle fundraising challenge visit www.newportlive.co.uk/events or follow the link : Newport Live | Events
Registration is £5 per person, all participants will then be sent more information, including a sponsorship form, a Just Giving Page link and the route map, there will be a warm welcome from 10.30am on the day of the event.
If you would like to volunteer your time to support walkers on the day by being one of our volunteers who make the event possible, please email the team via press.office@newportlive.co.uk
All proceeds from the fundraising will be used to support the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru as a direct result of the partnership with Newport County AFC and Newport Live.
