Barnsley bard sends words to war against Alzheimer’s

BARNSLEY bard Ian McMillan will today launch a broadside against dementia as he unveils a poem as part of an initiative for a fund-raising event.

The poet will perform the verse entitled Walking for Memory, Walking from Memory in the grounds of Wentworth Castle gardens as he urges people to sign up for the Alzheimer’s Society memory walk being held for the first time in the gardens.

He said: “I was pleased to write a poem for memory walk because language, rhythm and memorable speech help to remind us who we are, who we’ve been, and who we can still aspire to become.

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“I know when someone has Alzheimer’s it has an impact on the whole family and as in the poem I’ve written this will be a walk for everyone: mother, father, sister, brother.

“I hope hundreds of people will sign up for the event and step out for a great day in support of an excellent cause, raising awareness and funds for services for people with dementia and their carers.”

Anne Simmons, support services manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Barnsley, said: “Memory Walks grows year after year and gives us an opportunity to raise awareness of dementia as well as vital funds. Early diagnosis helps people live independently in the community for longer.

“Ian’s poem says each step is a postcard from someone and we know that taking part does send out a message for people – whether it is to someone they love or a statement of intent about fighting dementia.”

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Among those hit by the illness is father-of-three Gareth Wilmot, 37, whose life has been torn apart by a savage form of dementia in just 18 months.

His mother Lesley, of Goldthorpe, said his family had seen him go from being a bubbly, outgoing movie fan to someone only able to manage one word answers to questions who now needs round-the-clock care.

“Gareth was engaged, and the impact on his partner and her children, as well as his brother and sister, all of us, has been devastating,” she said. “He has lived with the disease for about two and a half years but has deteriorated quickly since December. It feels as if life has stood still.”

The walk will be held in the gardens on Sunday, September 29. Money raised will go towards support for people with dementia.