A RECORD number of participants were treated to splendid sunshine during yesterday's Port Macquarie Memory Walk and Jog.
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Even the most tired runners and walkers surged with new energy as they approached the finish line amid cheers.
Some of the loudest support came via the spirited jibes of the event's host, Alzheimer's Australia NSW ambassador Doris Younane
"Come on, that's enough mucking about, let's do this," the McLeod's Daughters actress shouted at the last finishers.
The finishing chute's inflatable archway in Westport Park was a fitting end for those who triumphed over the two and 7.5 kilometre courses.
Organiser Gary Thomas, Alzheimer's Australia NSW regional manager on the north coast, was impressed with the massive increase in numbers from 150 in 2013 to 700 this year.
"We are thrilled with the level of support and community spirit shown at today's Memory Walk & Jog," Mr Thomas said.
Organisers said more than $10,000 was raised to bolster education and support services at the Dementia and Memory Community Centre on Lord Street.
Many of the hundreds came from areas outside the Hastings including Coffs Harbour, the Hunter and Sydney.
"We've got people here from all over the place," Mr Thomas said.
"They are all people who've been affected, or had relatives and friends affected, by Alzheimer's.
"They recognise it is the third leading killer of Australians, and Port Macquarie has the second highest number of people with the condition in NSW."
Supporters including Bupa Aged Care, Port Macquarie Base Hospital, MBC Nursing and Hastings Respite Care created a friendly festival atmosphere for walkers and joggers at the finish line.
Bupa's managing director of aged care, Louis Dudley, said a large proportion of his company's 6000 residents live with a diagnosis of dementia.
"So we are acutely aware of the valuable work done by Alzheimer's Australia and the need to rally behind the race against dementia," Mr Dudley said.
As the official aged care partner Bupa will be matching Memory Walk donations raised, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.