St George's
Memory Walk
One of the aims of our 'Live Simply' group is to develop St George' s to be a 'Dementia-friendly parish , mindful of this among us suffering this disease and to support their carers - with fellow-ship , information , respite, and Love. To this end , during 'World Alzheimer's Month' , our 'Memory Walk' was organised for the 5th September. Eighteen 'walkers' took part , ranging in age from 22 to 93 ; indeed , three over 88 !parishioners and friends. We departed from our church at 10am with a prayer from Fr John. As an inveterate walker , we would normally expect him to be with us - but an apposite and poignant pastoral call of duty took him to a local care-home where a couple were celebrating their 'Diamond Wedding Anniversary' - though , due to dementia , the wife knew nothing about it. Fr Chris , our Parish Priest was there, also, to see us off.
Ready for the off after a blessing from Fr John
Starting at Hall Road swing-bridge we followed the canal-side path as far as 'The Weld Blundell', continuing on Southport Road to Our Lady's, Lydiate. The weather was kind; only one short shower. Companionship and conversation , the open air , and cheerfully meeting dog- walkers made time pass quickly. Marie (Woods) and Paul (Symes) 'shadowed' the walk by car, enabling one or two participants to get a 'lift' back. A 'Reflection' in Our Lady's peaceful 'Prayer-Garden' was at the heart of our event, and names of dementia-sufferers' , known to us , living and dead were read out and prayed for. Fr Chris joined us for this special time as did a daily Mass goer , not up for a long walk , but keen to be part of the project.
First to arrive at
Our Lady's
Followed by ....
The Prayer Garden at
Our Lady's
An un-planned feature was to enjoy coffee and each others' company in the marquee along-side the nearby 'The Scotch Puper', the oldest pub in Lancashire; its 'convenience(s) were much appreciated! Refreshed and re- vivified , we tackled the return walk , some ( including the author!) slower than others! It was estimated that the walk's distance 6.5 miles.A great sense of achievement that , sponsored by family and friends, we supported 'Alzheimer's Society with an excess of £700 being raised
Especially heartening was the presence for the first 'leg' of Alicia from Willow Hey , who works for the Society and whose commitment is rooted in growing up with and supporting her 'Nan' who had Alzheimer's .
Time for a cuppa
Homewards
Bound
The following day , at the Sunday Masses, a display of resources to help carers and direct them to provision in the area , attracted much interest, and , please God, encouraged cares to recognise that they are not 'alone'.
Thanks to all involved in the organisation of the event, it was a great day and raised in excess of £700.
With many thanks to George Barnes for scripting the article