Aintree Racecourse "turned blue" as hundreds of people in blue t-shirts descended on the "iconic" spot to walk in remembrance and support of loved ones affected by dementia.
The Liverpool Memory Walk on Sunday, September 4, was part of an annual series of fundraising events that have raised more than £41m for the Alzheimer's Society in over 10 years. Formby man Robin Baynes, who raised more than £2,300 this year, walked in memory of his wife Brenda, 77, who has lived with vascular dementia since suffering a mini strike 10 years ago.
More than 850,000 people in the UK have dementia, which causes memory loss and mood and movement problems, according to the NHS. Robin, the 76-year-old founder of New Start, a not-for-profit providing accommodation for homeless people, told the ECHO he'd "been all around the world" with his wife of 58 years, but "she can't remember". He said: "I've got the memories for her."
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Brenda ran the children's health charity Liverpool Heartbeat with her husband, with whom she was awarded the City of Liverpool Commonwealth Award in 2018 for charity work. She was able to continue this work for several years before her health deteriorated, leading to the "hardest decision" to move her into a care home this February.
Robin, who received an MBE for services to the community, walked this month in tribute to his wife, affectionately known as 'Bren', along with her bridesmaid Margaret McCafferty. The couple's three kids and their partners, and staff and residents from one of New Start's homes also joined them.
The 76-year-old said: "It was an honour for me to cut the ribbon and start the Memory Walk, but to me, everybody's hands were on those scissors, all the people that were walking for Bren, all the people that couldn't be there that day, and everybody who came along to raise money for people living with dementia.
"I was delighted that our bridesmaid Margaret McCafferty who was with us when we got married when we were just 18 was able to come along too and I know this would mean a lot to Bren. All these years later, we now have three children, nine grandchildren, four great grandchildren and another one on the way. Recent years have been very hard, and I am so grateful for the love of my family and friends who have supported us through it."
Steve Green, Alzheimer's Society's area manager for Merseyside, said: "We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers like Robin who went above and beyond to raise vital funds and awareness for local people living with dementia. It was extremely moving to see so many people come together on Sunday to honour or remember their loved ones. Every step taken will help us provide a lifeline of support for as many people affected by dementia as possible.
"Too many people face dementia alone. With the help of our brilliant fundraisers, we can ensure that everyone affected by dementia can turn to us for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step. I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year's Memory Walk such a brilliant success."
You can visit memorywalk.org.uk to find out more about the remaining Memory Walk events or to organise your own Memory Walk at a location and time of your choosing.
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