ALZHEIMER’S Society supporters joined forces for the first time in two years to pay tribute to loved ones affected by dementia.

The event, in South Shields, marked a welcome return for the charity’s popular Memory Walk, cancelled last year due to the pandemic.

Walkers, most sporting the society’s distinctive branded T-shirts, turned the coastal walk into a sea of blue to remember and support those close to their hearts.

Walkers had the choice of a 1.5km or 7km route, along The Leas, on the sea front.

All stepped out with the aim of helping to stop dementia in its tracks after the devastating period for those living with the disease.

Danielle Cooper, the society’s area manager, said: “We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers who turned out in their hundreds to support the estimated 39,000 people living with dementia in the North East.

“It was extremely moving to see so many people come together to honour or remember their loved ones.”

Thanking all those who helped make the walk, “such a brilliant success”, she she said every penny raised will help the society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

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