Memory Walk round Lanark Loch to fight Alzheimer’s

They have been inspired to take part in what could be Lanark’s biggest-ever charity sponsored walk by a 17-year-old 6th Year student who, in turn, was prompted to act through the courage of a relative facing the dread condition.

She is Eilidh McCreadie from Kirkfieldbank who has organised the `Memory Walk’ at the weekend with her classmate and fellow villager Nicole Baxter, also 17.

She explained to the Gazette: “My Aunt Marissa’s husband Brian has had Alzheimer’s for eight years and I know what she’s gone through in caring for him over these years.”

She thinks her aunt best summed up the dilemma being faced by families hit by he condition by saying: “I’m watching a man I married almost 25 years ago disappear in front of my eyes, the blessing for him being that he doesn’t realise the effect it has on her or the rest of the family.”

Now, with her pal Nicole’s help, she has organised Saturday’s event with almost 200 people already signed up to take part as the Gazette went to press this week with more expected to come along on the day; between 10am and 11am on Saturday, participants are to assemble at the lochside car park for registration, adults paying a £3 ‘entry fee`.

Those taking part will them walk around rthe loch and then into Lanark town centre, heading for a venue yet to be announced where there will be a fundraising raffle and bake sale.

Donations via www.justgiving.com/lanarkmemeorywalk.

Raffle tickets are available via [email protected].