ORGANISERS of a charity walk say they were left overwhelmed by the level of support the annual event received.

Alzheimer’s Society regional director Helen Foster admitted she had been left overwhelmed by the success of the County Durham Memory Walk held in Chester-le-Street at the weekend.

A record-breaking 800 people took part in the walk at Riverside Park, helping to raise £25,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

She said: “I’m now normally lost for words but I was left gobsmacked what I witnessed at the County Durham Memory Walk which has really gone from strength to strength over the last few years.

‘I remember when it started five years ago and there were just 80 people who attended, which we thought then was decent, but on Sunday there were 800 walkers which was overwhelming.”

The event, which also aims to spread awareness about dementia, was formally opened by North Durham MP Kevan Jones, who also completed the 5k Memory Walk with dog Biff.

‘It’s great that Kevan Jones shows people with dementia and their carers have support in the corridors of power in Westminster and we are grateful for his loyal support,” added York-based Helen.

“But I suppose what lifted me most in Chester-le-Street is that there were so many young people there who clearly want to change things for the better because they know what a devastating disease dementia can be”.

She said: “There were 40 Alzheimer’s Society staff and volunteers who gave up their time to make sure it went smoothly and that really bodes well for the 35,000 people who are living with dementia and their carers across the North East.”