A SEA of fundraisers are expected to head over to King's Meadows for the town's inaugural Memory Walk organised by the Alzheimer's Society.

More than 1,300 people have already signed up for the fundraising event, which is scheduled to start at 11am on Napier Road on October 1.

Actress Sue Holderness, who is best-known for her role as Marlene Boyce in Only Fools and Horses, is taking part and is calling for more people to register for the Memory Walk.

She said: “The Memory Walk is always so special because it brings people together from all walks of life to unite against dementia.

"I am excited to take part in the first-ever Memory Walk in Reading and I encourage anyone who can to join me by signing up today.

“It is a great excuse to get the whole family together for a fun day out and helps raise money for such an important cause.

"I will be walking for so many friends and relations who have been affected by dementia, especially my darling mum.

Reading Chronicle:

“It is a great opportunity for us all to join together, celebrate someone special, share experiences and fight against dementia.

“Supporting Memory Walk plays a vital part in raising awareness of the condition and strikes a massive blow against the isolation it causes.”

Latest figures show there are currently 1,500 in Reading currently living with dementia and previous walks in other parts of the UK have raised more than £6m for the Alzheimer's Society.

Memory Walk aims to raise £9m nationally this year and bring together more than 110,000 walkers.

Linda Goddard, the charity's operations manager for Reading, added: “Dementia is set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer.

“We are calling on family, friends and furry four-legged supporters to unite against dementia this autumn.

“Dementia devastates lives. Come walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won’t win.

“Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia."

Register at: memorywalk.org.uk if you would like to take part.