MEMBERS of the Warrington University of the Third Age (U3A) are swapping their sensible shoes for silly wigs and superhero capes – all in the name of raising funds for dementia research.
Members of their walking group are set to strut their stuff through Stockton Heath tomorrow, Wednesday (9th July), as part of a charity fancy-dress walk in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.
Whether it’s pirates or pop stars, fairies or footballers, the walkers will be donning their finest costumes in support of loved ones affected by dementia – and to help bring life-changing research one step closer.
Norman Partington, who’s helping organise the event, said:”We thought, why not mix a bit of fun with a serious cause? Dementia has touched so many of our lives, and this is our way of raising awareness of the need for research and to bring a few smiles along the way.”
The idea was inspired by several U3A members who have seen friends or family affected by the condition.
The money raised will go towards Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission to power groundbreaking research focusing on prevention, diagnosis, and treatments for dementia – a condition that currently affects almost 1 million people in the UK.
Simon McDermott from Alzheimer’s Research UK said:”We absolutely love this idea – what better way to shine a spotlight on dementia research than with feather boas, top hats or even a Dame Edna Everage? Dementia is one of the biggest medical challenges of our time, but thanks to brilliant fundraisers like the U3A walkers, research can make a real progress.”
The walk will start from the London Bridge Inn, Stockton Heath at 10.30 am on Wednesday, and will be going through the centre of Stockton Heath.
To sponsor the walkers or find out more about the event, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/wu3a-walking-group
For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org
