Manchester Memory Walk photos: 12 great pictures from Alzheimer’s Society fund-raising event at Heaton Park

Hundreds of fund-raisers proved their boots were made for walking as the popular Manchester Memory Walk returned to Heaton Park to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The popular green space was transformed into a sea of blue outfits as participants completed either a 2km or 7km route.

The event is a huge fund-raiser which helps to support the 30,000 or so people across Greater Manchester who are living with dementia.

Stretford resident Hazel Alexander Howard, who was taking part in tribute to her 82-year-old mum Yvonne who has been diagnosed with the devastating memory-loss condition, was given the honour of cutting the ribbon to get the walk under way.

Hazel, who is from Trinidad and Tobago but grew up in Queens in New York, said: “My mom has got it so bad now and can’t be on her own. She still remembers me but her memory has almost gone. It’s very hard me being over here and her in America but the family is taking care of her there, we don’t want her to go into a home.

“Mom was a single mum and sacrificed for all of us and my kids and I want to be there for her too. She is very strong and wants to be independent like fixing her own meals but she can’t do the everyday things she could anymore. I am planning to get her over to Manchester to live with me.”

Hazel’s aunt also had dementia and tragically died in a house fire after forgetting about a candle.

She added: “That is why it was so important for me to help raise awareness of a condition that has had devastating outcomes for myself and family.”

The memory walk took place at Heaton Park on Saturday 8 October and the charity said it was grateful to everyone who had joined them for the occasion.