MORE than 6,000 people will unite against dementia at two memory walks taking place in the region over coming weekends.

Relatives and friends of those affected by the condition will come together at Bents Park, South Shields, for the North-East’s biggest annual walk on Saturday, October 6, from 9am.

And on the following Saturday, October 13, 2,500 people will take part in Alzheimer’s Society’s first ever night walk in the North-East, which sets off from Baltic Square, Gateshead Quays, at 7.30pm.

There are 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, an estimated 35,000 of them in the North-East. And the national figure is set to rise to one million by 2021. Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.

Rebecca Scott, senior mass participation events officer for Memory Walk, said: “We’re thrilled that the combined number of people signing up for our flagship event in South Shields and the Tyneside Night Walk has now exceeded 6,000.

“Last year’s event in South Shields raised £296,082 – and with the addition of our new Tyneside Night Walk, we’re hoping to do even better this year.

“The money goes towards research into a finding a cure, improving treatment and supporting people affected by the condition through a range of services.”

The main 7km walk in South Shields, follows a coastal route and there will also be a shorter 1.5km walk suitable for wheelchair users and people with pushchairs, and a new longer route – over 22km – that sets off at 9am.

Actor and comedian Richard McCourt, best known as one half of the CBBC duo Dick and Dom, will cut the ribbon to start the main walk in South Shields.

Richard’s mother, Mary, died with dementia when she was just 64 and the star has since become an Alzheimer’s Society ambassador.

Ms Scott added: “We’re thrilled to have Richard officially launching this year’s walk in South Shields – and it’s also very exciting to have a new night walk taking place.

“Dementia devastates lives, but every pound raised at all of our memory walks help us provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition.”

The 6.5km Tyneside Night Walk sets off at 7:30pm from Baltic Square, Gateshead, before crossing the river and following a route along Newcastle’s quayside. For more information visit memorywalk.org.uk