A GRIEVING husband from Ferndown will take on the Bournemouth Memory walk to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Geoff Glover, from Ferndown, saw his life transformed three years ago when wife Anne was hospitalised with a broken hip, to then discover she also was living with dementia. Unfortunately, in July this year Anne passed away.

Now, just two months after Anne passed away, Geoff is bravely taking part in Bournemouth Memory Walk in memory of his beloved wife and asking for supporters to follow suit.

He said: “When Anne was first diagnosed, we were able to cope with the early symptoms. As a couple we dealt with the dementia, but sadly ongoing conditions meant that Anne would become frustrated and confused that she wasn’t able to do daily tasks like she was used to.

“Along with social services carers, I became Anne’s full-time carer 24/7, but after several falls she was hospitalised, where in her weak state she deteriorated rapidly.

The walk will start at the Bournemouth Pier on Saturday September 21 at 11am, where participants have a choice of walking 3.5km or 8km.

Geoff continued: “I am so sad and still hurting from my wife’s passing. I haven’t taken part in Memory Walk before but I am looking forward to participating this time in memory of Anne. In the last moments of her life, we were not able to communicate properly, and she was unable to even eat or drink.

“I’m doing Memory Walk so that further research can be made into dementia. I hope that one day we can beat this dreadful condition, so that no-one else must suffer.”

Derek Dodd, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Bournemouth, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes, yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding.

“More than 9,000 people in Dorset are living with dementia. We are calling on family, friend and furry four-legged supporters to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win.

“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.”

“Unite against dementia and register now at memorywalk.org.uk.”