A MEMORY walk saw dementia sufferers and their families step out into the sunshine this weekend.

Staff, residents and supporters of the Springfield Care Home in Darlington enjoyed a walk by the river yesterday (Saturday, August 1).

Eight residents, their family members, friends and carers took part in the walk, arranged in a bid to raise funds for the home’s residents’ fund and to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s disease.

Senior carer Paula Metcalfe said: “Our residents have memory problems and they can have a big impact on their lives.

“The walk was great and they all loved it, it was a beautiful day and an important thing to do.

“Our residents become like our family and so everybody got involved and tried to help.

“They all went out with balloons tied to their wheelchairs and with the looks on their faces, we know they loved it.

“They may not remember it tomorrow and that’s the hard thing, dementia has a big impact on families.

“Everyone thinks it can’t happen to them but it can and so it’s important to raise awareness and help people to spot the signs.”

Carer Katy Makepeace joined the residents on the walk and said: “It went really well, as we walked, I could see some of the residents recognising where we were.

“It was totally fantastic – the rain stayed off and we’re definitely going to do it again next year.”