THE ALZHEIMER’S Society is urging families to join its Essex Memory Walk to raise money for a world without dementia.

The charity is encouraging residents to round up fam - ily members of all ages – from grandparents to grandchildren – to take part in the event at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, on Sunday October 2.

In the lead up to the walk, residents who plan to embark on one of the 2k or 6k routes have spoken of their experienc - es caring for loved ones with dementia.

Lesley Beckett, 59, of Bur - gess Field, Chelmsford, said: “My husband was 57 when we were told he had young onset Alzheimer’s disease.

“Life got hard as years went by because I am disabled and he was my main carer.

“He was hiding the memory loss quite well until he was not washing or dressing and his temper got the better of him.

“Most people think this is an old persons’ disease but he is only 61 and doesn’t know me now.”

Charlotte Rolfe, 45, of West Avenue is doing the walk in memory of her mum, Mavis Perrin.

Mavis was 64 when she was diagnosed and 69 when she passed away.

Charlotte said: “My mum’s dementia was very aggressive and I watched my mother dete - riorate in front of our eyes.

“She was married to our fa - ther for 50 years. My dad is still struggling to come to terms with this, like us all.

“My brothers have climbed the three peaks for Alzheimer’s Society but I’m not that fit so have chosen to fundraise by do - ing the Essex Memory Walk.

“My mum stayed with dad until going into a home for a year. She then moved to a care home but died shortly after .”