Mo unites with 1,200 people for Plymouth Memory Walk
Mo White – diagnosed with dementia at the age of 50 - today (Saturday) joined a tide of more than 1,200 people to unite against dementia at Plymouth Memory Walk.
The former touch typist cut the ribbon to start Alzheimer’s Society’s event at Smeaton's Tower helping to raise funds for vital research and services.
Mo, who lives with her sister Vicky in Stoke, said: “I was nervous and happy about cutting the ribbon – I’m feel honoured to be asked, it’s a big thing to do!
“I’m amazed to be with 1,200 people united against dementia, it’s brilliant that people are raising awareness, as well as funds for a great cause.”
Mo is supported by Alzheimer’s Society volunteer Immy Webber (20), a student at Plymouth University, who meets up with her as part of the charity’s side by side service.o
“It means you go out and have a life and meet people,” said Mo. “Immy is a great friend and it’s really important to me”
Mo, who now lives with her sister Vicky in Devonport, found her world turned upside down in a moment when she was attempting a routine task at work.
“I looked at the computer and thought ‘what is it, I’ve never seen one in my whole life. I didn’t know what it was, it was suddenly an alien thing,” she said. “I just cried.”
“Soon after, I was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. I had a choice of either to give in to it, or live well with it until I can’t: and that’s what I’m doing.
“I’m not giving in to it. I’m not letting Alzheimer’s define me. I have Alzheimer’s - it doesn’t have me.”
Immy Webber, supports Mo as volunteer with Alzheimer’s Society’s Side by Side initiative – a service to help people with dementia keep doing everyday things they enjoy - was at Mo’s side when she cut the ribbon!
“I am unbelievably proud of Mo and it is brilliant to see the wonderful recognition she is getting for being such a great champion of the Alzheimer’s Society,” she said
“It’s amazing to join a vast amount of people who are all uniting against dementia in Plymouth, which will hopefully raise awareness and produce funds to aid research to help in achieving the ultimate goal - finding a cure for dementia.
“I am very grateful to have the relationship that I do with Mo and so would support her in a heartbeat for something that is so worthwhile – it’s been a privilege to be able to be with her and step out together in such a great cause.”
John Naismith, Alzheimer’s Society volunteering officer, said: “Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.
“Every pound raised will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected.
“Alzheimer’s Society is committed to spending at least £150 million over the next decade on dementia research to improve care for people today and find a cure for tomorrow.
“I am so glad that so many walkers stepped out to improve the lives of people living with dementia.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s Plymouth Memory Walk such a brilliant success.”
A total of 41 walks are taking place this month and next - or you can organise one of your own with Your Walk, Your Way. To find out more, go to memorywalk.org.uk
This year, Memory Walk aims to raise £9million nationally and bring together more than 110,000 walkers across the generations.
