STAFF, family and clients at a care centre today (Wednesday, October 1) took part in a sponsored walk to highlight dementia and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The Memory Walk was organised by Seaham House, the dementia wing of Hawthorns Care Centre, in Peterlee.

Claire Peart, who heads the dementia wing, said: “We hold the event every year.

“About 15 people took part this year. We walked around Castle Eden Dene and the surrounding streets and expect to raise about £300.”

After the walk music therapist played songs for the clients and there were cream teas.

Miss Peart added: “We have a pet rabbit and Horns Garden Centre have kindly donated a hutch.”

“The walk is about raising awareness and getting involved with the local community.

“We have a lot of students from schools and colleges who come and visit us.”

She added: “There are more people being diagnosed with dementia now than ever before and the Government are looking into getting a lot more help for them.

“We take pride in that we support people with dementia and their families - who understand their loved are living with dementia, as opposed to suffering from an illness.

“We encourage a person-centred feel, where it is all about individuals, as opposed to labelling them with a condition.”