A TOWN council is holding a sponsored walk for the Alzheimer’s Society after a councillor shared his diagnosis to help others.

The walk, arranged by Harwich Town Council, will take place on Saturday September 21 to raise awareness and help raise funds for The Alzheimer’s Society as part of a ‘Memory Walks’ held across the county.

This follows Harwich Town Councillor David Smith sharing his Lewy body dementia diagnosis in the Standard this month to show people there is life after dementia.

Awareness - Councillor David Smith was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, in May 2023Awareness - Councillor David Smith was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer's disease, in May 2023 (Image: Submitted)

David, who is also a Ramsey and Parkeston parish councillor, said it is important to him to see out his Harwich Town Council term until 2027, when he will be in his 80s.

He said: “I was quite candid with the Labour group on the council.

“We have a sort of monthly meeting, and at the first meeting I said I wanted to continue as a councillor. They thought I should - they have been so supportive.”

While when asked about the most important message he has for others, David said: “The main thing is don’t talk down to people.

“Treat people with dementia as normal people.”

Harwich Town Council is also now a ‘Dementia friendly’ council with all members and officers having undergone Dementia awareness training.

Promenade - Seafront - The walk will start at 10am from the Leading Lights on Dovercourt seafront (Image: Newsquest)

The mayor of Harwich, Pam Morrison, said: “There are very few people whose lives have not been touched by someone living with Dementia and Harwich Town Council tries to reflect that within its activities. 

“This walk along our beautiful seafront is a small way of bringing everyone together in support of this important cause.”

 Ms Morrison added: “Anyone wishing to take part can do so and need only walk as far as they are comfortable with before turning back.

“We are now just hoping for good weather and a great turn out.”

The walk will start at 10am from the Leading Lights on Dovercourt seafront and walking along the promenade to the Low Lighthouse on Harwich seafront and back.

Anyone wishing to join in either for the entire walk or for part of it is asked to register their intention for free at with the Alzheimer’s Society at this link to receive a free promotional T shirt and fundraising pack. 

Anyone raising £160 or more in sponsorship will receive a medal from the Alzheimer’s Society.