Over 70 people attend Harwich walk for dementia

The walk, arranged by Harwich Town Council, took place on Saturday to raise awareness and money as part of a series of ‘Memory Walks’ held across the country.

The walk started at the Leading Lights in Dovercourt and ended at the Low Lighthouse in Harwich with 75 people taking part - raising a total of £1320 so far.

The walk follows Harwich town councillor David Smith speaking out about his diagnosis of having Lewy body dementia in the Standard in August to show people there is life after dementia.

Campaigner - Councillor David Smith (Image: Maria Fowler) Mr Smith was diagnosed after going to see his GP for memory loss last year.

He hopes to serve his full-term as a Harwich councillor until 2027, which is being made possible due to a supportive town council and staff.

Mr Smith, who is also a Ramsey and Parkeston parish councillor, raised a total of £300.

He said: “It went brilliantly. There were loads of people doing it - it was a nice leisurely walk.

“It was well organised by Harwich Town Council with volunteers to help."

He added: “I was really happy when a gentlemen came up to me during the the walk, saying thank you so much for putting that in the paper. His wife had been diagnosed with dementia and was feeling down until she read the article, and she felt much better.

“His wife also shook my hand saying thank you - so one person can make a difference."

Family - David Smith alongside his family at the walk (Image: Maria Fowler)

Mr Smith said the walk was “very casual” with people being able to do as little or as much as they wanted.

“I was really happy with what I did,” he said, adding: “The main thing is don’t talk down to people with dementia.

“Just treat people with dementia as normal people.”

Harwich Town Council is now a dementia-friendly council after all members and officers had dementia awareness training.

To donate and find out more visit https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.