MONTY PYTHON star Terry Jones has helped publicise the fight against dementia by joining a Memory Walk.
News that the 75-year-old, who directed Python films Life Of Brian and The Meaning Of Life, is suffering from primary progressive aphasia, a rare form of dementia, was announced last year.
The writer and director walked with 3,500 people to unite against dementia at the London Memory Walk.
Jones was accompanied by his daughter Sally Jones and his former partner Alison Telfer as he took part in the Alzheimer’s Society event in central London, opened by Birds Of A Feather star Linda Robson.
Telfer said: “Terry can’t speak because he is living with a rare form of dementia and it is just so awful because he can’t do all the things that he used to do.
“But he still enjoys going out for long hikes and so we took part in our local Memory Walk because we wanted to support him continue to do things he loves and because it was for a cause close to our hearts.
“Terry really enjoyed walking with fellow Memory Walkers. When he got home, after lunch at a pub on the way back, he wanted to go – and went – for his normal post-lunch walk on Hampstead Heath for another one and a half hours.
“Sadly, we now know just how absolutely devastating dementia can be for families affected by the condition which can be heartbreaking at times, but we felt we had to do our bit to help with fundraising and raising awareness.”
There are 34 fundraising Memory Walks taking place nationwide this autumn.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Someone develops dementia in the UK every three minutes. Every pound raised at Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.”
Memory Walks
Memory Walks will take place throughout Scotland this month, organised by Alzheimer Scotland.
Next weekend sees walks take place in Fife, Aberdeen and Forth Valley.
The walks are perfect for all ages and abilities, and give families the chance to come together and pay tribute to someone close to them.
Registration for a Memory Walk is £10 for adults, £5 for 12-16 year-olds and
under-12s walk for free.
Visit memorywalksscotland.org to find out more and to register.
If you are interested in volunteering, more information can be found at memorywalksscotland.org/volunteer or by calling 0131 243 1453
If you have any questions about dementia or the services in your area, call Alzheimer Scotland’s free 24-hour helpline on 0808 808 3000 or email helpline@alzscot.org
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