Macclesfield MP, David Rutley, joined a well-supported event on Sunday 12th June to raise awareness of issues facing sufferers of Alzheimer’s Disease, and their carers. A keen walker, David was delighted to add an extra mile to his tally with a gentle stroll from Tytherington Family Worship Church to Tytherington Club and back.
The one-mile walk, dubbed “Walk A Mile In My Shoes”, was organised by local carers, including Mrs Jean Atherton and Mrs Pam Jagger, who come together through the Alzheimer’s Society peer support group in Macclesfield.
David spoke with fellow walkers and discussed the important work being done to support all who are affected by dementia, including the Alzheimer’s Society’s “Singing for the Brain” initiative. Even when many memories are hard to retrieve, music is especially easy to recall. David also learned more about the important work of the Carers Trust and Cheshire East Council’s dementia reablement service, and discussed concerns about possible funding challenges.
The local MP expressed his gratitude to the carers who organised the successful walk and to the church for their support and for hosting the event. Macclesfield’s Mayor, Councillor Alift Harewood MBE, also participated in the walk, which took place on the day that her MBE was made public in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
David said: “It is a pleasure to meet dedicated local campaigners, carers and volunteers who rightly want to highlight the important support of the Alzheimer’s Society and others for all those affected by dementia. I am very pleased to have been able to add my support and walked a mile in their shoes.”