BUPA CARE SERVICES REMINISCENCE WALK FOR DEMENTIA AWARENESS WEEK

Bupa Care Services staff will be taking part in a reminiscence walk on Friday 9 July in support of the Alzheimer Society’s Dementia Awareness Week which runs from 4-10 July 2010 . Over 20 employees will be embarking on the seven mile walk, which starts at 2pm from Bupa’s head office in Horsforth and passes through Weetwood, Meanwood and Moortown. The walk will end at Bupa’s Park Avenue Nursing Home, Roundhay at 5pm. Park Avenue Nursing Home is one of Bupa’s specialist dementia homes and has been carefully planned to provide a safe environment that allows residents, particularly those with dementia, to walk around freely and safely. Staff from the home will be supporting their colleagues by welcoming the walkers at the finish line and raising money to support the campaign, which is very close to the hearts of many staff members and residents. Park Avenue’s activity co-ordinator, Karen Mitchell will be joining the team. Eleanor Whitfield, from the Alzheimer’s Society’s head office in London will also be participating in the walk and will hold an informal discussion at Bupa’s head office about the positive work the Alzheimer’s Society does and the partnership with Bupa Care Services at 1.45pm. Bupa Care Services will be raising money to support research into the condition and all monies raised will be fundmatched by Bupa’s Community Connections department. Siobhan Drane, Bupa’s community affairs consultant, who is also participating on the day, commented: “This event supports a very worthy cause and I am very proud of the staff taking part. We hope to raise as much money as possible to support the Alzheimer’s Society.” Dr Graham Stokes, Bupa’s director of dementia care says: “Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa are working together across a range of projects to support people with dementia and their carers to find a cure for the future, whilst improving their quality of life and care. Both organisations share a commitment to fighting dementia. Supporting the Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Awareness Week campaign means we are raising money for a very worthwhile cause.” Bupa Care Services is asking people to donate to this worthy cause. Anybody wishing to donate can visit the team’s Just Giving site at: www.justgiving.com/bupa-dementiawalk Notes to editors: This Dementia Awareness Week, Alzheimer's Society is asking people to think about the people they know living with dementia and about the simple things they can do to make life for them more manageable and enjoyable. Photograph Opportunity For further details about the event or for photo opportunities please contact Elisha Gardner, Marketing Assistant at Bupa Care Services on 0113 381 6147.