Ita Buttrose gets set for return of Memory Walk & Jog, with more events than ever before

Ita Buttrose gets set for return of Memory Walk & Jog, with more events than ever before

Dementia Australia Patron Ita Buttrose AC OBE is encouraging all Australians to show their support for people living with dementia by participating in one of the 19 Memory Walk & Jog events planned for the 2022 series.

Ms Buttrose said she was excited to see Dementia Australia's largest fundraising initiative return in 2022, with the series travelling to even more locations than in previous years.

"We're delighted that the 2022 Memory Walk & Jog series will be back, bigger and better than ever before," she said.

"Fundraising for Dementia Australia truly is 'a walk in the park', with the 2022 program packed full of events in some of our country's most beautiful public spaces."

The Memory Walk & Jog series raises awareness and much needed funds that will help provide invaluable support, education and resources for people living with dementia in Australia, their carers, families and friends.

"I have had the pleasure of attending many of these events over the years and can say from experience how enjoyable and rewarding they are," Ms Buttrose said.

"Each event offers a wonderful opportunity for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to come together, walk or run, raise money and share stories. The goal is that everyone will come away from the events knowing they are not alone.

"Together, we can make the world look brighter for people with dementia."

One team throwing their support behind the event is 'Team D-Man'. They will be walking with 55-year-old Pete, who was diagnosed with younger onset dementia four years ago. The team will be led by Pete's wife Jane and their four children – Ed, 25, Alistair, 24, Charlotte, 22 and Henry, 16.

"D-Man came from 'Dementia Man'... D for darling, D for dad, D for dementia. He calls himself D-Man all the time. It's kind of a nice thing, it makes him feel special," Jane said.

In 2021, Team D-Man showed up in force, with more than 100 members taking part in honour of Pete, raising more than $50,000. They hope to do the same in 2022!

Jane says whatever amount anyone can raise through participating in the event – big or small – is incredibly important because 'every little bit helps' in contributing towards the provision of dementia services and support today, and research to improve the lives of people with dementia in the future.

In 2022 there will be a total of 19 events:

Dementia Australia is aiming to raise $1.6 million through these events in 2022 and hopes to attract tens of thousands of participants.

"Each event is designed for people of all ages. They can decide whether to walk, jog or run and can select from a variety of distances," Ms Buttrose said. "People can participate as an individual or as a team, and they can even come in fancy dress.

"There will be prizes for the top fundraisers, as well as raffles, well-known MCs, plenty of entertainment, food stalls and special guest appearances by Memory Walk & Jog mascot Al the Elephant.

"There really is something for everyone, and we're inviting everyone to come along, have fun, and help us create a dementia-friendly world."

Currently there are almost half a million people of all ages living with all forms of dementia in Australia. Without a major medical breakthrough this figure is projected to increase to one million people by 2058. Events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support, but also in raising awareness of dementia.

The safety and wellbeing of Memory Walk & Jog participants, volunteers and staff is Dementia Australia's top priority at these events. The team is constantly monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19, and remains in communication with the relevant federal, state and local authorities. A robust COVID-safe plan has been tailored for each event and will be adapted as needed.

Register for a Memory Walk & Jog event now! If you can't attend one of the planned events in the series, why not consider organising your own group or individual walk or jog, with a MY Way or Walk & Jog Impossible Challenge? More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are affected by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

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