A BRENTWOOD woman is urging others to join her in helping to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society by signing up for Brentwood Memory Walk.

Pauline Butler, 60, from Brentwood, will be walking in memory of her parents Gwendoline and Dennis Morris, who both died with dementia.

Pauline's dad Dennis lived with Alzheimer's disease for five years before passing away in 2009 aged 85.

Gwendoline, 83, was diagnosed with the early stages of mixed dementia in 2011 and passed away on Christmas Eve 2013 after having a stroke.

Pauline said: "I first contacted Alzheimer’s Society when my dad was in the very late stages of Alzheimer’s and it was then that I started to rely heavily on their support. It was basically emotional support that I needed for both my mum and myself.

"Unfortunately we then lost my sister to cancer and my father to Alzheimer’s within nine weeks of each other.

"My parents were married for 62 years and mum was obviously grief stricken, but alongside this, over the following year, I began to notice that she too was displaying symptoms of dementia and I accessed the knowledge and assistance of Alzheimer’s Society once again.

"Mum was for a long time in complete denial and it was a struggle to get her to access help earlier when it could have helped her the most."

Following her dad's death Pauline decided to take part in Brentwood Memory Walk in his memory and has been involved ever since, organising marshalls for the event through the running club she attends.

She said: "Dementia doesn’t just affect the person with the condition it affects the whole family. It is difficult to show people how money raised from fundraising can help people with dementia but with Memory Walk the money goes towards funding vital services which can help people who may be lonely or need support.

"Being involved in Memory Walk and doing something positive has really helped me and I would encourage people to sign up and help to raise awareness whilst raising money at the same time."

Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout the autumn to raise money for people affected by dementia and their carers. It is a day to walk, share and celebrate someone special and everyone walks with one common goal: to defeat dementia.

Brentwood Memory Walk takes place at 11am on Sunday, September 28 at Thorndon Country Park South. Participants can choose between a shorter 1 mile walk or the longer, more challenging 9km mile walk.

To register or for more information visit www.memorywalk.org.uk/brentwood