MORE than 1,000 people who took part in a North-East charity walk have been praised by the widow of Newcastle United legend Charlie Crowe.

The Alzheimer’s Society Tyneside Memory Walk was held on Saturday and Ruth Crowe, who lives in Wallsend, cut a ceremonial ribbon on the Millennium Bridge to get the walkers underway

Mrs Crowe, whose husband had dementia when he died, said: “I know what a devastating disease dementia is so it has warmed my heart to see so many people taking part in the Tyneside Memory Walk.

“They’ll all be getting a medal for completing the walk which is fully deserved because they have given up their Saturday for what I think is a great cause.

“People of all ages, from toddlers to older people like me, have been doing the walk which is great because we need to raise as much money to sort out this hideous disease.”

Her daughter, Lesley Edmondson added: “It’s days like this when you realise that slowly but surely the fight against dementia is being won.

“There is so much more awareness of what is a very nasty disease and that’s what makes me think we are moving in the right direction.”

Research shows one in three people over 65 will die with dementia and the event is thought to have raised £40,000 for the charity.

The Alzheimer’s Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.

The walkers, who could follow two-kilometre or ten-kilometre walk were welcomed to the Baltic Square by Gateshead Mayor Neil Weatherley who is raising money for Alzheimer’s Society during his year in office.

He said: “There are 35,000 people who have been diagnosed with dementia across the North-East.

“Everyone has their own reason to take part in Memory Walk and it’s heart-warming to see every person here is united in the fight against dementia.

“Funds raised today and through sponsorship help Alzheimer’s Society fund local services such as Dementia Cafes, Singing for the Brain and a national helpline as well as helping to fund research to find a cure for dementia.”

The Alzheimer’s Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845-300-0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk