SEVERAL hundred walkers, joggers and runners converged on Westport Park in Port Macquarie for one reason on June 4 – to raise awareness about a baffling disease more than 400,000 Australians are battling.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hastings residents were among thousands across the country to take part in the 2017 Alzheimer’s Australia Memory Walk and Jog.
All funds raised will go to support the work of the Port Macquarie Dementia and Memory Community Centre which helps local families navigate their way through a dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
More than $100,000 has already been raised for the construction of a dementia friendly garden in Bridge Street.
The garden’s features will include a sculpture, bird bath, bubbling water, frog pond, orchard planting, vertical herb garden, raised vegetable beds, overhead fairy lights and more.
Alzheimer's Australia NSW Mid-North Coast sector and capacity development – program manager Gary Thomas said time spent in gardens reduced anxiety and confusion for people living with the disease while also providing a retreat for carers.
“Today’s event will raise further awareness about a condition that affects many people but is not well understood,” Mr Thomas said.
“More than 400,000 people in Australia are currently living with this disease and it is the second leading cause of death in our country.
“This is a great way for the community to help Alzheimer’s Australia fund vital services, with this Port Macquarie event raising money that will go directly back into our town.”
The fundraising goal for the dementia friendly garden sits at $250,000.
For many walkers, participating was a way to honour a lost loved one.
Jackie Cooper’s mum Doreen O’Brien passed away from complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The walk is a way for her and her family to remember.
“For us it’s about doing something positive out of all the sadness,” Jackie said.
In NSW, there are an estimated 138,700 people with dementia which is estimated to increase to 175,000 by 2025 and 326,000 by 2056.
Nationally, there is estimated to be 244 new cases of dementia each day which will grow to an estimated 318 people per day by 2025 and more than 650 people per day by 2056.