On March 14th, hundreds of people flooded to MediaCityUK to take part in GLOW despite the cold weather and fears over coronavirus.
Wearing blue shirts, glitter, and various illuminated accessories, the people of Salford united for a 4.5k walk around Salford Quays to raise money for the Alzheimer’s society. Walking for family members, friends, or partners, people came together to take part in this exciting event.
Attendees had the opportunity to write wishes and thoughts to hang on the Memory Tree, which stood in the middle of the Piazza, in memorial of those lost to the disease and in honor of those currently suffering.
Volunteers passed out glowsticks and other glowing attire to participants as everyone partook in a guided live “Zumba” warm-up.
A family participating for their grandfather commented “There’s a lot of motivation here since everyone’s so cheery”
The walk kicked off at 7.30pm, with support worker Mica and her cousin Ebony, from Bury, cutting the ribbon at the start line, participating for their Grandmother who has Dementia.
A care home worker, with glowing bunny ears comments, “I’ve seen so many people whose lives were taken before they’ve even passed away due to dementia”
Another participant says, “I used to work on a dementia unit in a residential home. So I’m doing it for all of them.”
This event ran at the same time as GLOW walks in Tyneside and Liverpool. All three events went ahead, just days before lockdown was announced.
Kay Rogers, Alzheimer’s Society Events Officer, said “Last year in March we raised over £160,000 at the glow walk in Manchester”
“It’s an amazing atmosphere, whether you’re affected by dementia or not. It’s great to be part of that event and raising all that money.”
The Alzheimer’s Society website describes ‘dementia’ as “a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language.”
Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease or as a result of strokes. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia, but not the only one. Dementia affects 1 in 6 people over the age of 80, with an estimation of 850,000 people who have been diagnosed.
There are currently only prevention treatments for the disease.
Recent Comments