Pictured L to R: Beauty expert, entrepreneur and ASI ambassador Pamela Laird with Harry the dog, George McConnell (Age 6) , George and Connie's Grandad Peter Keegan, Connie Wickham (Age 5), and Comedian and ASI ambassador Neil Delamere.

Offaly comedian announced as ambassador for annual Alzheimer's Ireland walk

Kayley Hardiman

Published: Wed 3 Aug 2022, 4:53 PM

Last updated: Wed 3 Aug 2022, 4:55 PM

Edenderry comedian Neil Delamere and beauty expert Pamela Laird have been selected as ambassadors for the third successive Alzheimer's Memory Walk which will take place nationwide on Sunday, September 18.

Alzheimer's Memory Walk is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages and abilities to unite together with their families and communities to raise awareness and funds for dementia supports. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) hope that 3,000 walkers across Ireland will help to raise €250,000 for vital services that help to support many people with dementia and their family carers across the country.

Comedian and ASI ambassador Neil Delamere said: "I'm excited to team up with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland and show my support for Alzheimer's Memory Walk. Alzheimer's and dementia is a huge issue for our society. We can all do our part and Walk on Sunday, 1 September to raise much-needed funds for the 500,000 people in Ireland whose families have been affected by dementia. The ASI really relies on funds to keep its supports and services going such as day care, home care, dementia advisers, family carer training, Alzheimer Cafes and social clubs. As demand continues to increase, so does the pressure on these support services; every day, at least 30 people are diagnosed with dementia in Ireland even people in their 30s/40s/50s.・

Beauty expert Pamela Laird is delighted to back the campaign and has shared her family connection with dementia as her father, Sylvester, was diagnosed with dementia in 2016. According to the successful entrepreneur,while the family started noticing changes with her father as far back as 2010, the dementia diagnosis was still very challenging for them all to deal with. Pamela is doing the walk with her mother Yvonne and her Chihuahua, Tallulah, and wants others to do the same.

Pamela spoke about the significance of the memory walk and the impact dementia has had on her life saying:

"I am delighted to return as an ambassador for Alzheimer's Memory Walk again this year. It's an excellent way to bring families and communities together to raise vital money and awareness during World Alzheimer;s Month 2022. The Alzheimer Society of Ireland does excellent work throughout the country, and my family have used their supports to help my dad with his journey with dementia. The ASI needs to keep fundraising to keep its services running. Through my father's diagnosis of dementia, I am all too aware of what so many families go through in Ireland, the confusion, the sadness and the isolation. It's at a time like this that we need to remember those alone and get them the support that they desperately need. During Alzheimer's Month 2022, I really want to put a spotlight on dementia as it desperately needs our attention. You can walk 5km, 10k or whatever distance you can do; Let's Walk Together. Alzheimer's Memory Walk is suitable for all ages and abilities to unite together with our families and communities to raise awareness and vital funds for dementia supports and services.

Irish Life Staff Charities Committee member John Roberts said: “Irish Life is honoured to support the Memory Walk, the flagship event in 2022 for The Alzheimer Society of Ireland. Some of our team at Irish Life have first-hand experience of the effects that Alzheimer’s can have on us, and our loved ones. This was a key reason why we chose The Alzheimer Society of Ireland as one of our Irish Life Staff Charities for 2022. We hope to play a small part to help deliver vital benefits to those who live with and support people with dementia in Ireland.”

An estimated 64,000 people live with dementia in Ireland, which will more than double in the next 25 years to over 150,000 by 2045.

Everyone is encouraged to walk whther it be in their back garden or the local park.

ASI is the leading dementia specific service provider in Ireland. It works across the country in the heart of local communities providing dementia specific services and supports and advocating for the rights and needs of all people living with dementia and their carers.