A MOTHER and daughter duo and members of a local Rotary Club will be among the Helensburgh and Lomond residents taking part in a dementia charity’s first virtual ‘memory walk’ this weekend – and they want you to take part too.

Coronavirus restrictions mean there will be no organised group walk in aid of Alzheimer Scotland in Helensburgh, or anywhere else, this Saturday and Sunday.

But that won’t stop Wendy Watson and her daughter Claire, or members of the Helensburgh Garelochside Rotary Club, stepping out to do their bit and support the charity’s work with people who have dementia, and their families, in Helensburgh and Lomond and beyond.

The rotary group, who have an average age of around 70, will be walking in and around Cardross, Helensburgh, Balloch, Rhu, Shandon, Garelochead, Glen Fruin, The Three Lochs Way and the John Muir Way with social distancing measures in place and are asking for residents’ support.

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And Wendy and Claire will raise funds to support Wendy’s mother-in-law Catherine, who has vascular dementia and lives at the Lochside Care Home in Shandon.

Wendy said: “My links to Alzheimer Scotland go back almost 14 years. My uncle, Andrew Ferguson, received his diagnosis and for us the journey began in caring for someone with dementia.

“Initially I had no real understanding of his diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and it was over the next six years that we began to grasp what a life changing thing dementia is.”

Wendy’s uncle received support from Alzheimer Scotland’s Dementia Resource Centre in Helensburgh.

“He died at home on May 5, 2012,” Wendy continued.

“Without the help, understanding and patience of the staff in Helensburgh we would not have been able to give him the care he deserved.”

Anne-Marie King, Alzheimer Scotland’s dementia adviser in Helensburgh, said: “Alzheimer Scotland are working harder than ever to support people living with dementia and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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“Social isolation, loss of support networks and disrupted routines have presented a huge challenge for people who are living with dementia, and for their carers, during this crisis.

“Our team from the Helensburgh Dementia Resource Centre have adapted how we work so that we can continue to reach families during this time.

“We have moved many of our activity and support groups online, we have been posting out activity packs, and have introduced a new Companion Call service which is supported by our wonderful volunteers.

“As we move forward, we will continue to adapt and work towards introducing more outdoor pursuits, as well as reintroducing our vital indoor therapeutic activities.

“We are committed to keeping our support going but we need your help. If you are able to fund-raise or make a donation we would really appreciate it, every single penny will make a positive difference.”

To support Alzheimer Scotland visit alzscot.org/memorywalk. For more information on the rotary club, search Rotary Club of Helensburgh Garelochside on Facebook, and to donate to Wendy’s fund-raiser, click here.

* If you’re planning to step out this weekend to support Alzheimer Scotland, why not share the experience with us – and with other Advertiser readers? Email your photos from your own Memory Walk to editorial@helensburghadvertiser.co.uk and we’ll feature the best next week!

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