NEWPORT'S annual Walk for Dementia is set to be held again next year as Newport County AFC and Newport Live once again team up to host the event.

In April this year, due to the pandemic and social distancing measures, the walk was held ‘virtually’ with participants being encouraged to take part at any point during the month and complete ‘3k Your Way’.

Despite the challenging circumstances, participants raised more than £8,500 (including gift aid) for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

Due to this success, next year's participants will be able to ‘3k Your Way’ or take part in the actual walk,

Walkers may walk 3k every Sunday, every day or even run the 3k at any point during April 2022.

The official 3k walk will take place on April 24.

Jess Bowring, community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “It’s so moving that so many people came together in such challenging circumstances to honour or remember their loved ones and raise much needed funds for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

"The pandemic has been catastrophic for people affected by dementia, with Alzheimer’s Society’s services across the UK, like our Dementia Connect support line, being used more than six million times since lockdown began in March 2020.

"Every pound raised will help support the 50,000 people in Wales living with dementia, improve care, fund research and create lasting change.”

Newport County AFC director Kevin Ward, who also sits on the board of Newport Live, said: “Last year's fundraising eclipsed the first event, which was a fantastic effort considering participants weren't able to walk together due to Covid restrictions.

"There is an important debate taking place around the potential links between football and dementia, and it is right that County, as a professional football club, supports efforts to help organisations like Alzheimer’s Society Cymru to raise both awareness and funds."

John Harrhy, chairman for Newport Live, said: “I’d like to give a huge thank you and well done to everyone who took part in this year’s walk and who raised money for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.

“We look forward to having even more participants in 2022 with people able to walk 3k their way, or join us for the walk around Newport on April 24.”

More details on Newport Walk for Dementia 2022 including how to join will be shared early next year.

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