A 98-YEAR-OLD woman was among dozens of people from across the region to take part in a charity walk on behalf of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Marion Precious was joined by her friend Winifred Howe, 91, and 35 other staff and family members from Middleton Hall Retirement Village, near Middleton St George, to complete the National Memory Walk at Stewart Park, in Middlesbrough.

More than 200 people gathered in Middlesbrough to take part in the national even, which encourages people to come together to raise money for research to tackle dementia while remembering those who have suffered from the illness.

Mrs Precious and Mrs Howe said they were slightly apprehensive before the event but were hoping their regular daily walks in the grounds of Middleton Hall would be suitable training.

During the walk Mrs Precious shared her memories of Councillor Thomas Stewart, who bought Stewart Park for the people of Middlesbrough in 1924.

Claire Haigh, from Middleton Hall, said: “The walk was a great success. We were blessed with great weather and everyone enjoyed themselves.

“Middleton Hall was very close to its annual fundraising target for the Alzheimer’s society of £10, 000 before the event and we feel the efforts of yesterday may just have taken us over that target.”