Devoted Son walking for both his parents at Cardiff Memory Walk this weekend

A devoted son, who has experienced the devastating impact of dementia first-hand, is set to join hundreds of fundraisers going the extra mile for Alzheimer’s Society Cardiff Memory Walk.

Martin Pryce-Gill is donning his walking boots at Bute Park, Cardiff on Sunday 18 September and is encouraging others to join him at the historic venue to raise vital funds and awareness for the charity.

He is putting his best foot forward at the heart-warming event after his father was diagnosed with dementia following a triple heart by-pass (sadly passing away 5 years ago) and more recently his mother was diagnosed with rapid onset Alzheimer’s after a series of falls.

Martin (55) who grew up in Newport South Wales, said, “Events like Cardiff Memory Walk are so important, to keep dementia and Alzheimer’s at the forefront of people’s minds.” 

“Everyone is or will be touched by dementia, and the more we know, the more we can do to help those living with it, and those helping them. My Dad Donald had vascular dementia; it strangely brought us closer, but I know that it is not like that for everyone.   He was a proud man, old school and had been a brilliant engineer, so asking for help wasn’t particularly high on his list, but he trusted my Mum, Sister, and I implicitly to keep him safe and care for him, which we all did.” 

“He passed 5 years ago, fortunately I was with him then, and throughout his illness. I was also often able to console him when things were tough. His dog Reggie never left his side throughout his illness and was a great support. I got a kitten who arrived one year to the same weekend of Dads passing, so he is also called Donald after my father, because I never want a day to go by, without remembering Dad. My Father would have loved him, as he’s a cheeky collection of naughtiness and innocence, and that also makes me smile.” 

“My Mum Margaret, who’s now 94, was recently diagnosed with rapid onset Alzheimer’s, which has not been helped by long isolating periods in hospital following a series of falls. She is currently well cared for at the Capel Grange Nursing Home in Newport. I feel very fortunate that she is there and that the staff are so supportive. It is so important to talk about this issue, because if we don’t get out there a speak about it, things will never improve, which is why it is so important for me to do Memory Walk for both my parents”

Alzheimer’s Society is encouraging people across Wales to join Martin this Autumn, to help people affected by dementia through some of the hardest and most frightening times. Memory Walk will bring together people who have been personally affected by dementia, those who want to walk to remember a loved one, and people looking to raise money for charity.

Cheryl James, Area Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “It has never been more important to support Alzheimer’s Society Cymru’s crucial work. Too many people in Wales are facing dementia alone without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected.

“We are in awe of our amazing fundraisers like Martin and his team, who go above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness for the estimated 50,000 people living with dementia in Wales. Every step our fundraisers take will to help us provide a lifeline of support for as many people affected by dementia as possible.

“We can’t wait to see walkers of all ages and abilities return to Cardiff Memory Walk this autumn and I would call on family, friends and colleagues from across Wales to put their best foot forward to support this vital cause.”

Hundreds of walkers have already registered to take part in Cardiff Memory Walk, which will be on Sunday 18 September at Bute Park, Cardiff. Supporters can also opt to walk on their own, or with loved ones, on the paths, pavements, parks or pebbles in a location of their choosing throughout September and October.

Memory Walk events have been a regular fixture in the Autumn calendar for over 10 years, seeing half a million walkers raise over £41 million for Alzheimer’s Society.

Visit memorywalk.org.uk to find out more about organising your own Memory Walk or taking part in Alzheimer’s Society’s organised events this Autumn.