NEARLY 2,000 people took part in a charity walk in Bournemouth at the weekend to 'unite against dementia'.

The Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk, rescheduled due to severe weather earlier this year, took place along the beachfront.

Participants, many with family diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease - and many sufferers themselves - either completed a 3.5km or 8km distance.

Kay Sayer, aged 72, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's four years ago, cut the ribbon to start Saturday morning's walk.

She said: "The atmosphere today has been incredible. It is the ideal opportunity for both people with dementia and their carers to meet up with other people in the same situation.

"We do need to raise the profile of research into this dreadful disease."

Kay said that since receiving her diagnosis, she's been involved with two drug trials and is waiting to start a third in November.

She added: "Whilst I realise that these trials are unlikely to help me, without research and further trials, a cure for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia will never be found.

"A lot of these trials, and dementia research generally, rely on continuing funding.

"Events such as the memory walks, not only help to publicise the work of Alzheimer’s Society, but also to raise much needed funds."

Forty flagship Alzheimer's Society Memory Walks are taking place across the country.

This year, the initiative aims to raise £9 million and bring together more than 110,000 thousand walkers.

Bournemouth deputy mayor Cllr Lawrence Williams, his wife Elaine, and Bournemouth's public health cabinet member Cllr Jane Kelly, joined volunteers to hand out medals at the end of the event.

Alzheimer's Society services manager for Dorset, Beverley Newman, said: "Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.

"Having already had to reschedule our walk due to the weather I am so glad that hundreds of people stepped out today to improve the lives of people living with dementia.

"Dementia devastates lives - it slowly strips people of their memories, relationships and identities.

"Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

"I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Memory Walk such a brilliant success."