MORE than 100 people have taken part in a Memory Walk, raising vital funds for the Alzheimer's Society.
They each had their own personal reasons for taking part in the event in Beverley, but together their aim was to raise awareness and funds to fight dementia.
Among those was John Stabler, of North Ferriby, who cares for his wife Valerie.
"The work Alzheimer's Society does is brilliant," he said, setting off on the 2km walk around Beverley Beck.
"Without their support, guidance and help it would be a more lonely and harder place to be caring for my wife."
The pair, who have been married for 52 years, were both at the annual fundraising event, in partnership with Bupa Care Homes.
"The event is great," he said.
"There are such nice people here and there is a really nice atmosphere. The charity needs more support than it is getting."
Many had pinned messages on their backs, walking in memory of mothers and grandmothers.
Hull FC legend Johnny Whiteley MBE started the walk and activities yesterday, which included a tombola, a cake stall and face-painting.
He said: "I have friends who are starting to suffer from Alzheimer's, so I am really pleased to assist in starting the walk.
"So many people have given up their time to be part of the walk. I am very privileged to be part of it.
"It is nice to see so many families and young people taking part."
Memory Walk is Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraising event, which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout this month.
Margaret McHugh, support services manager for Alzheimer's Society Hull and East Riding, said: "Memory Walks have been going for about 11 years and here in this area it has been going a similar amount of time.
"It is the first time we have held the walk along the Beverley Beck.
"The aim is to raise awareness about the charity and also money for the charity for support services in this area.
"It is important to raise awareness locally that we are here supporting people in the Hull and East Riding area.
"A lot of people taking part in the walk might care for someone or have maybe come to take part to remember a loved one.
"It is emotional for some people, but it is about people coming together to raise awareness and funds."
Memory Walk 2012 raised more than £1.4m nationally.
Among those taking part in Beverley was Laney Cunliffe, who had travelled from Withernsea with her six children.
"We all like to get involved with local charity events," she said.
"I don't think a lot of people understand Alzheimer's so we wanted to raise awareness and some money."
