When my cousin Stephanie invited me to join her at the Alzheimer’s Society Glow Memory Walk in Brighton, I didn’t hesitate to say yes.
Stephanie wanted to take part with her daughter and my mum, so we all signed up together as a team of four for just £10 each. Detailed information was emailed, and we all received event t-shirts in the post a few weeks prior.
The Brighton Memory Walk is one of a series of Alzheimer’s Society Glow events which take place in 12 locations across the country. The family-friendly events encourage people to dress brightly to raise awareness of Dementia.
So on Saturday 7th March mum drove all four of us to Hove Lawns, where we parked with ease in the car-park next to the event base. A line of marquees housed merchandise, information, and pens with tags to add a message to a memory tree which sat in the middle of the lawn. There were neon lights and a stage with disco music, where an energetic warm-up took place. The atmosphere was electric as the lawn filled up with participants, and everyone was wearing neon and flashing lights! We all purchased some glow-sticks from the merchandise stall and used the portaloos before joining in with the warm-up.
I was wearing Ivy Park leggings with Brooks Ravenna 8 trainers, the event t-shirt and black coat, with a bumbag containing all the essentials (lip-balm, tissues, cash, keys!), and was super comfortable throughout. The weather was dry and a little windy!
The 5K took place in stages between 6.30-7.30pm and we joined the very first wave of walkers. The route was a loop up towards Brighton, around the i360 structure, and back again. It was dark already so our neon and glow-sticks really stood out, and there was a large number of participants who were friendly and chatty, so we had a laugh throughout and really enjoyed ourselves. Despite being 30weeks pregnant I didn’t struggle at all and we kept to a nice steady pace.
The atmosphere all around was brilliant and it all seemed to go very quickly. Before long we were back at the base, crossing the finish line which was lined with supporters, to the sound of claps and cheers. A bespoke medal was hung around our necks and we each received a bottle of water from volunteers.
We used the portaloos again before crossing the road to the car-park and heading home. We all had a really great time and were impressed with both the organisation and the value for money. The registration fee of just £10 each was a complete bargain and we all agreed that we would take part again in future, and would recommend to others!
Laura's footprints 