Eagles legend walks in mum’s memory

West Coast Eagles legend, Glen Jakovich, will be leading the charge against dementia by spearheading the Alzheimer’s Australia WA Memory Walk at Edinburgh Oval, Curtin University, on Sunday, 21 October.

The dual premiership player and sports­­ commentator (pictured), whose mother died of dementia two years ago, said it was time to act against dementia – the third leading cause of death in Australia.

“We need to stand up against dementia. It was the most heartbreaking experience seeing my fit and healthy mum gradually succumb to this horrible disease,” Mr Jakovich said.

“She had problems with her memory and started to lose her ability to do everyday things – even cooking which she loved.”

By leading the Memory Walk, Mr Jakovich hopes to raise awareness and funds for dementia support programs and research, while inspiring others in the community to show their support for people living with the condition and their families.

Participants can jog, run or take a more leisurely stroll around the oval to remember or honour a loved one with dementia. After each lap, they will be handed a ‘memory flag’ that they can plant in the oval as a symbolic reminder of the 25,000 people living with dementia in Western Australia.

Retiring Alzheimer’s Australia WA chief executive, Frank Schaper, said funds raised at the Memory Walk would enable Alzheimer’s Australia WA to continue to provide vital dementia care, education and advocacy services to people living with dementia.

“We are hoping to attract at least 1,600 people to the Memory Walk this year, one for every person diagnosed with dementia in Australia each week,” he said.

“One of the most important aspects of our memory walk is allowing people who have been touched by dementia to come together and share their experience; it’s important for participants to realise they are not alone.

“We also want to reach out to those affected by dementia, so they can learn about the wide range of support services that Alzheimer’s Australia WA provides.”

The memory flags, which participants receive after each completed lap, are for messages of love, remembrance or support for a loved one or friend with dementia. More than 10,000 memory flags were planted last year.

Pre-registered, well-socialised dogs are welcome to join in the walk and there is a prize for the best dressed team.
 

Memory Walk WA 2012 details

When: Sunday 21 October 2012, from 10am to 3pm

Where: Edinburgh Oval, Curtin University

Learn more about Glen Jakovich’s walk: www.everydayhero.com.au/jako