In a parade of candles and torches, the fourth annual Gill's Walk For Dementia set off around Agecroft Cemetery this evening, to raise money for Pendleton Court Dementia Ward and the Salford Survivor Project.
"We're here this year in memory of Niki Campbell and for Pendleton Court in memory of my granddad and also other people who we know who have been in there as well" explained Tonie Whiteley, who organises the walk every year with mum, Gill.
"We do this walk so that people can experience a cemetery at night time, and just to remember people who have had dementia or been subject to domestic violence, and more and more turn up each year. It's nice to see people coming together, coming into cemeteries and not being scared of what's in there. They go on the walk, enjoy it and we raise as much as we can for good causes. Every little helps."
Joining the walk this year was Jayne Humphries, mother of Niki, who was murdered just before last Christmas by her former boyfriend, and is allowing the Salford Survivor Project, which helps those subject to domestic violence and abuse, to use her daughter's memory to raise awareness and funds.
A Canadian study showed recently that women who have developed dementia were more likely to have been physically abused, and the links are now starting to be properly researched.
"In Niki's case, she would have known about the Salford Survivor Project but she never told me what was going on" Jayne explained "But it could help somebody out there, so we need to make people aware that there is someone there who they can speak to. And if we can stop one person from getting a smack around the head that leads to dementia then so be it.
"So, I'm doing the walk, I've raised £205 for the Project in a few weeks, and I'm doing it for my girl's memory and for dementia" she added.
The proceeds from tonight's walk will be split between the Salford Survivor Project and Pendleton Dementia Ward, and anyone who wishes to donate can contact Gill or Tonie via the Gill's Walk For Dementia Facebook group – click here
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