Ellesmere Port couple get ready to GLOW for Alzheimer’s Society

A local couple from Ellesmere Port, are set to light up the Liverpool skyline next month to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s vital work.

Marion (54) and Tom Hinde (60) are set to join hundreds of fundraisers uniting against dementia after dark at the charity’s Liverpool Glow walk on Saturday 12 March 2022 after experiencing the devastating impact of dementia first-hand.

Tom was diagnosed with Young Onset Alzheimers in 2017 at the age of 55. He had to retire from his job with the Royal Navy that had seen him travelling all over the world before his diagnosis.

Marion, who is a Medical Secretary, explains: “It was a massive shock for both of us when Tom received his diagnosis. He was told initially that he was too young to have dementia and it was just depression. However, we knew something wasn’t right when Tom couldn’t make his way back from Scotland after being on work there.

“This has changed both our lives dramatically. It has knocked Tom’s confidence massively and where he used to be so independent, he now relies on me to care for him.  I also care for my son who has a learning disability.

“We couldn’t have got through this time without the one-to-one support we received from Alzheimer’s Society. The charity has helped us through the journey from diagnosis and supported us through the hard time. 

“Tom uses the online forum Talking Point which has helped restore his confident as it helps to know he is not the only one going through this awful disease. We have never felt alone through our journey as Alzheimer's Society are always there at the end of the phone to discuss any issues we had. We wanted to support Alzheimer’s Society and thank the charity for the help they have given by taking part in the Glow Liverpool Walk.”

Marion has previously raised funds for Alzheimer’s Society by doing a 50-mile run throughout the month of November 2020.

Marion and Tom will join people of all ages and walking abilities for a colourful and accessible 5km route around the iconic dockside in Liverpool. Participants are encouraged to dress in neon, bring glow sticks and sport their brightest outfits to raise funds and awareness for the 20,095 people living with dementia (over 65s) in the Cheshire and Merseyside area.

There’s never been a more important time for Merseyside and Cheshire residents to glow the distance and come together to raise vital funds for life-changing dementia support.

Alzheimer’s Society’s services, including the Dementia Connect support line, have been used over six million times since the start of the pandemic but too many people are still facing dementia alone.

Steve Green, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Merseyside, Cheshire and Isle of Man said: “We would like to thank Marion and Tom and all of our amazing fundraisers who are taking part in a GLOW event this March.

“The Liverpool Glow is a fabulous opportunity to make memories with family and friends, all while raising money and awareness for the 20,095 people living with dementia in Merseyside and Cheshire who continue to be disproportionally hit by the pandemic.

“Nobody should have to face dementia alone without adequate support. That’s why we’re urging the people of Merseyside and Cheshire to shine a light on dementia alongside your family and friends this March and help make a difference in the fight against dementia.

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

Help create a brighter future for people affected by dementia alongside family and friends at Alzheimer’s GLOW meeting at Pierhead Liverpool on Saturday 12 March. Sign up at:

http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/glow

• Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading dementia charity. We provide information and support, fund research, campaign to improve care and create lasting change for people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer’s Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.
• Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that’s one every three minutes.
• The total cost of care for people with dementia in the UK is £34.7 billion. This is the equivalent of more than £40,000 per person with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society funds research into the cause, care, cure and prevention of all types of dementia, committing to spend at least £100 million on research over the next decade, and is a founding partner of the UK Dementia Research Institute.
• Until the day we find a cure, Alzheimer's Society will be here for anyone affected by dementia - wherever they are, whatever they're going through. Everything we do is informed and inspired by them.
• Let's take on dementia together. Volunteer. Donate. Campaign for change. Whatever you do, unite with us against dementia. 
• Alzheimer’s Society relies on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0330 333 0804 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk.  
• Alzheimer’s Society provides the Dementia Connect support line (0333 150 3456)
• Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @Alzheimerssoc and Like us on Facebook
• Alzheimer’s Society YouTube channel www.youtube.com/AlzheimersSociety
• Download our dementia-friendly guide for tips on best practice to make sure dementia is accurately and fairly reported in the media: alzheimers.org.uk/mediaguide

Pictured - Marion (54) and Tom Hinde (60) a local couple from Ellesmere Port.