Sir Geoff Hurst unites with Alzheimer’s Society at Memory Walk

Sir Geoff has pledged his backing for Memory Walk, Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event which is taking place across England, Wales and Northern Ireland this autumn, in honour of former team-mates Martin Peters, Ray Wilson and Nobby Stiles and their families.

The former England and West Ham striker has teamed up with the UK's leading dementia charity to appeal for people to take part in the 34 flagship walks – including the first night walks in London, Liverpool and Cardiff – which will raise vital funds to improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

The 75-year-old, who famously scored a hat-trick in the World Cup final victory over West Germany, is also gearing up for his local Memory Walk which will take place at Cheltenham’s Pittville Park, on Sunday, October 8 (11am).

He will be officially opening the event before embarking on a three-kilometre walk alongside hundreds of families who will be among up to 110,000 walkers striving to help raise £9 million  for people affected by dementia.

Sir Geoff, who recently led the Alzheimer’s Society United Against Dementia campaign with fellow England icon Gordon Banks, said:

'The fight against dementia is a cause that is very close to my heart and I wanted to do my bit to support people affected by the condition like Martin, Ray and Nobby by raising funds through events such as Memory Walk

'We were always there for each other when we were England team-mates and I will always be there for them and their families now as they live with dementia.'

Sir Geoff added:

'I have done my own little practice walk and I’m raring to go on what I am sure will be a very emotional occasion.

'It will mean a lot to me because even though none of my family members are living with dementia, people like Ray, Nobby and, especially Martin, are like family to me.

'I am keen to help because we had a special relationship that will always remain special because of what we achieved as a group of people.

'That was down to our camaraderie and I hope that people across the country will embrace that team spirit and come out in force to show they care about people living with dementia as well.

'I’m no medical expert but I am confident that Memory Walk will not only help raise awareness of a terrible condition, but that the money raised will improve services in our communities and edge us closer to achieving the ultimate goal of finding a cure for dementia.'

Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes said:

'Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walks are going from strength to strength each year - which is just as well because with dementia set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, we must unite more than ever to show dementia we are no walkover.

'While dementia can devastate lives without help, every pound raised by Memory Walk will help Alzheimer’s Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia.

Walk for your family and friends affected by dementia. Walk for future generations. Until we find a cure, we will keep walking so dementia doesn’t win.'

Alzheimer’s Society is urgently calling on people to unite against dementia – register now to find a walk near you.