Newport County AFC are teaming up with Newport Live to host Newport's first sponsored walk for dementia.
The walk will take place on Sunday April 7th starting at 11am at The Riverfront Theatre in Newport. The gentle 3km walk is open to all ages and abilities and will raise vital funds for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.
With an estimated 2,000 people living with dementia in Newport, the money raised from the walk will make a real difference to supporting families affected by the disease.
Newport has already been recognised as a dementia-friendly city, which is helping to reduce the stigma associated with dementia, and make people feel confident, understood and supported as a valuable part of society and their local community.
This partnership has been working hard to make the event a success for the first year, in the hope that this could become an annual event.
The walk is the brainchild of Newport County AFC Director of Equality & Diversity at Newport County AFC, Colin Faulkner.
He says: “As a city working to become a dementia-friendly community, it made sense to celebrate this, by having a large event in Newport to raise money and awareness. As the first EFL Club in Wales to become a dementia-friendly organisation it is important that we support the community we are in."
Steve Ward, Chief Executive at Newport Live, said: “Newport Live strives to inspire our city’s residents to be happier and healthier, we have worked extremely hard to ensure our staff are trained to support our customers and achieve our Dementia Friendly status.
Dementia touches the lives of so many, the condition can affect any one of us, awareness and fundraising linked to partnership projects such as this will only help us come together to ensure Newport’s Walk for Dementia is a success."
Cllr Paul Cockeram, Newport City Council said: “Newport City Council are pleased to support the Alzheimers Society Cymru, and Newport County AFC and Newport Live at the Newport Walk for Dementia around the City on April 7th.
“I'm sure nearly every family in Newport will know someone or have a family member who is affected by this cruel condition. I do hope everyone can make an effort to participate in the walk which will be a first for Newport.”
Paula Langston, Regional Fundraising Manager for Wales for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “This is a fantastic partnership and is testament to the support and passion displayed by both Newport County AFC and Newport Live. We are so proud to be work with them to raise not only vital funds for people living with dementia in the local community, but also raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with this disease.
This event truly is a collaborative and community-based event which will help everyone affected by dementia, their family, carers and community. Thank you and well done to all involved”