Soldier’s daughter Gemma Evans was joined by an army of 1,500 people for the Watford Memory Walk.
She cut the ribbon at Cassiobury Park to start walkers on their way for two of the three choices of distance, accompanied by Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor on Saturday, September 15.
Early birds set out sooner to take on a 20km stretch, which was followed by a choice of 3.5km stroll, 9km, opted for by two-thirds of walkers.
Gemma, a full time nanny working in St Albans, walked for her dad, who died with dementia four years after being diagnosed with the disease at 58.
The 30-year-old said: “It was great to be walking with so many people united against dementia and I know dad would have been proud. He’d have said ‘Good on yer!’
“Seeing the number of walkers I was sad that so many lives have been touched by dementia – but happy that all of us joined together in the fight to fund the search for a cure.
“It’s really important to me,” she said. “My dad was left unable to write, read, speak, walk or even get dressed without help as a result of the disease.”
Elected Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: “It’s a real honour to be invited to take part in the Memory Walk in Watford and to join Gemma cutting the ribbon to start so many people on their way.
“This is a great opportunity to raise awareness and much needed funds for a fantastic cause.
“I am passionate about making Watford a more Dementia Friendly Town. Dementia is a condition which is more and more prevalent in society and I know from my own experience the impact it can have on an individual and those around them.
“I want Watford to be a more welcoming place for those living with dementia and their carers. I am keen to get as many businesses, individuals and community organisations involved in this scheme as possible.”
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