A RECORD-BREAKING 800 people will take part in a charity walk to raise funds for the fight against dementia.

The annual Alzheimer’s Society County Durham Memory Walk takes place on Sunday in Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street with organisers hoping to raise £25,000 for the charity.

It is the fifth time the event has been staged and promises to be by far the biggest, eclipsing the 250 who took part last year.

Among the walkers will be Katherine Cooper, whose grandmother has lived with dementia for the last six years and whose late grandfather had Alzheimer’s disease.

The 25-year-old, from Meadowfield, in Durham, said: “Sadly, I have first-hand experience what a cruel disease dementia can be so I want to do something to make a difference.

“I’m sure it will be a very emotional occasion because everyone will be remembering loved ones who have dementia or who have passed away.

“Plus, they will be helping to raise awareness of dementia and raise money for the vital services the Alzheimer’s Society provides and to fund research.”

The walk is being organised by members of the Alzheimer’s Society’s County Durham team, based on Bullion Lane in Chester-le-Street.

Community fundraising officer Rebecca Scott said she was shocked by how quickly the County Durham Memory Walk, which is full to capacity, had grown.

“The way the Chester-le-Street Memory Walk has gained in popularity shows just how passionate County Durham folk are about fighting dementia.

“It’s one of those days when I have really mixed emotions and I honestly don’t know whether to laugh or cry.

“That’s because those taking part have been left devastated by dementia but they want to do something positive about the disease”.

For further details about Alzheimer’s Society services contact the charity’s Chester-le-Street staff on 0191-389-0400.