Susan Robb joins the ‘purple army’ once again for Scotland's Memory Walk

Susan Robb has been taking part in Scotland's Memory Walk with her family since 2015 and planning is underway once again to walk in honour of her mother.

"Each year since Mum was diagnosed with dementia I have taken part in Scotland's Memory Walk, mostly to say thanks and help raise funds for a fantastic cause close to our hearts.  The help and support we received from Alzheimer Scotland was second to none and allowed Mum to still be independent during that time. She has since moved into full time care but it's important to me to continue supporting them anyway I can".

Despite the pandemic, Susan and her family did not let that stop them taking part in memory walk, ensuring they planned smaller, safe walks to raise funds and awareness of dementia.

"The past two years due to covid restrictions it's not been possible for 'The Purple Army' to walk in large groups, so everyone picked their own route to do by themselves or with family and friends. Despite all the changes the support and encouragement was still there, from other walkers sharing their stories, photos and from the anyone you met on your walk. I love taking part in Scotland's Memory Walk each year, hopefully it helps raise awareness and money for such a great charity". 

Scotland's Memory Walk is all about your walk, your way. Taking part in your own special location whilst connecting with people across Scotland with shared experiences. 

You can read Susan's story and experience of Memory Walk's in her 2020 story below:

Susan Robb, from Bonnyrigg Midlothian, is signed up and ready to walk again for Alzheimer Scotland  in honour of her mother Anne Stark.

Anne Stark, originally from Leith, Edinburgh is 78 and lives with dementia. We asked her daughter Susan, to tell us what Alzheimer Scotland and the Memory Walk means to her and their family:

“I have taken part in the Midlothian Memory Walk for the past few years to help raise funds for such a fantastic cause and to say thank you for the help we have received for our Mum. Although I am walking for Mum, like many I am walking for everyone who is/has been affected with dementia.

Before moving into her Care Home, Mum attended the Bungalow in Bonnyrigg. At first it was once a week and she had a buddy on another day, but her visits were changed to twice a week. Mum loved going there she enjoyed taking part in all the activities and said it gave her some independence back. It was important to us that she went somewhere where she felt safe, enjoyed and was treated with respect, The Bungalow was the perfect place.”

The Bungalow is one of Alzheimer Scotland’s day services which support people with dementia to help people maintain their skills so that they can stay independent for as long as possible and feel good about themselves.

Day services and day opportunities offer a wide range of activities, including life story work, exercise to music, painting and craft work, musical activities, gardening, baking, discussions and outings. Carers can also benefit from time to themselves while the person they care for enjoys the activity. 

The uniqueness of Memory Walk is that you choose where to walk and Susan has chosen a special location to do so, the Forth Road Bridge, connecting South Queensferry to North Queensferry:

“In 1964, the year the bridge opened, Mum took my brother and I across it. It was the year I was born so I was in my pram! Mum often mentions this so I thought I would do my walk this year across the bridge not once but four times! I’m looking forward to taking lots of photos weather permitting of course.”

We asked Susan what her advice would be to people considering taking part in the Memory Walk Big Weekend and she told us:

“I would highly recommend fundraising by taking part in the Memory Walk. It easy to sign up and the best thing is being part of the ‘purple army’!”

Susan plans to take advantage of the big weekend taking place over Saturday and Sunday and will chose her day to walk weather dependent.