TWO carers from Mole Valley raised a glass at Denbies vineyard to celebrate and launch of this year's Surrey Memory Walk for the Alzheimer's Society.
Leatherhead resident Wendy James and Ann Howard, of Fetcham, both have experience of caring for people with dementia.
Mrs James' husband, Angus, has Alzheimer's, while Mrs Howard's husband died from the condition just a few months ago.
The walk, which takes place at Denbies Wine Estate, on September 22, is the charity's flagship fundraising event, held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes.
Last year's walk raised more than £1 million and Mrs James is hoping she can help push this year's total even higher.
"Myself and Ann, whom I met through the support services, will be taking part," she said.
"It's the first time I have done the walk and am really looking forward to it. I hope I can encourage many more people to join in."
Mrs James turned to the Alzheimer's Society for support after Angus was diagnosed three years ago.
The 65-year-old said: "I attend a carer meeting once a month; I find it very helpful and informative, meeting other people in similar situations and being able to talk openly.
"My local Alzheimer's Navigator is very supportive and is always there to listen when I phone about any problems. Angus and I also go to a social evening once a month."
Mrs Howard, 67, lost her husband, John, in May, but still attends the support groups.
She said: "The services were great for me, even after John had moved into a home. They were so helpful and caring.
"John had Alzheimer's for seven years and for the final 16 months lived in a home, but I still went to the meetings.
"I made some great friends, including Wendy, and I think I could help by telling people about my experiences to encourage them on their dementia journey.
"I will be getting my entire family involved with the walk; we will be doing it in John's memory and of course to fundraise for a great cause."
In the Surrey Downs area it is estimated more than 4,300 people have a form of dementia, but only 42 per cent will be diagnosed.
Becky Jarvis, the charity's Surrey locality manager, added: "Memory Walk is not only a great opportunity for us to promote the work we do in the county, but it will also be a great day out.
"It's an ideal opportunity for families and friends to get together and enjoy a day to remember."
The walk begins and ends at Denbies on Sunday, September 22, with options to complete either 3km or 10km.
For every walker that completes the Memory Mile – the final stretch of the walk – Bupa Care homes will donate a further £2.50 to support people living with dementia.
For more information, call 0845 3060 898, visit www.memory walk.org.uk/denbies or send an e-mail to memorywalk@alzheimers.org.uk
