ALZHEIMERS Society is urging families to join its Essex Memory Walk to raise money for a world without dementia.

The charity is encouraging residents to rally around family members of all ages – from grandparents to grandchildren – to take part in the event at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, on Sunday October 2.

In the lead up to the walk, residents who plan to embark on one of the 2k or 6k routes have spoken of their experiences caring for loved ones with dementia.

Lesley Beckett, 59, of Burgess Field, Chelmsford, said: “My husband was 57 when we were told he had young onset Alzheimer's disease.

“Life got hard as years went by because I am disabled and he was my main carer.

“He was hiding the memory loss quite well until he was not washing or dressing and his temper got the better of him.

“Most people think this is an old persons’ disease but he is only 61 and doesn’t know me now.”

Charlotte Rolfe, 45, of West Avenue is doing the walk in memory of her mum, Mavis Perrin.

Mavis was 64 when she was diagnosed and 69 when she passed away.

“My mum’s dementia was very aggressive and I watched my mother, who had six children deteriorate in front of our eyes. She was married to our father for 50 years. My dad is still struggling to come to terms with this, like us all.

“My brothers have climbed the three peaks for Alzheimer’s Society but I’m not that fit so have chosen to fundraise by doing the Essex Memory Walk.

“My mum stayed with dad until going into a residential home for a year. She then moved to a care home but died shortly after with me talking to her.”