Mildura locals Leigh Barry and her family are encouraging their community to support people living with dementia by signing up for the 2020 Mildura Memory Walk & Jog.
Alongside her family, Mrs Barry organised the previous three Mildura Memory Walk & Jog events which raised more than $30,000 for Dementia Australia.
Mrs Barry was inspired to start this event to honour her father Brian Black who was diagnosed with younger onset dementia at the age of 58.
"I started this event because I wanted people to become more aware of the disease and help to support people and their families living with the day to day struggles," Mrs Barry said.
"I wanted people to know they are not alone and that they have people around them willing to help."
Sadly, Brian Black passed away recently. In 2020 Dementia Australia will be giving Mrs Barry and her family a hand by hosting the Mildura Memory Walk & Jog. Mrs Barry will also be there on the day as a volunteer.
Memory Walk & Jog is Dementia Australia's largest fundraising initiative and raises much-needed funds to help provide invaluable support, education and resources for people impacted by dementia in Mildura and across Australia.
The 2020 Mildura Memory Walk & Jog will take place on Sunday 1 March at Nowingi Place, Mildura.
Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe said the course is family-friendly, and no matter your age or level of fitness, everyone is encouraged to participate and join in the fun.
"We are delighted to be coming to Mildura, and look forward to seeing as many locals as possible turn out for a day that's fun for all the family," Ms McCabe said.
"They're fabulous gatherings of people impacted by dementia who get together, walk or run to raise money, share stories and everyone comes away from the day knowing they are not alone."
Today, there is an estimated 3,600 people living with dementia in the federal electorate of Mallee. With that figure projected to increase to about 4,500 by 2058, events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support but also in raising awareness of dementia.
This year, participants at the Mildura Memory Walk & Jog can choose to take part in a 2km, 5km or 9km walk or jog and are invited to help us reach the $30,000 fundraising target.
There will be prizes for the top fundraisers, as well as raffles, plenty of entertainment, food stalls and special guest appearances from Memory Walk & Jog mascot Al the Elephant.
Registrations are now open.
