MORE than �15,000 was raised to tackle one of the most difficult illnesses for families to cope with at the weekend as friends and relatives stepped up to tackle dementia.

Watton-at-Stone actor Bradley Clarkson joined MP Stephen McPartland and over 200 fundraisers on the Alzheimer’s Society’s Hertfordshire Memory Walk, at Fairland’s Valley Park, Stevenage on Sunday.

ITV’s Grease is the Word star, Bradley, walked the 10km with his sister, Lydia in memory of their grandmother.

He said it was a day remember: “It was one of those perfect days. The sun came out and everyone was smiling, with the name of their loved one attached to their Memory Walk T-shirt. I felt proud to have walked the 10 kilometres in memory of my nan, and privileged to have been involved in promoting and opening this event.”

Stephen McPartland said the turnout was “absolutely amazing” and showed the degree of support locally for the cause.

“It is clear that this condition is affecting more and more people with most families experiencing the illness in a loved one. I was proud to help raise awareness of this event and will continue to campaign in parliament to ensure we invest in providing the best possible care to those affected by Alzheimer’s.”

Stevenage 44-year-old Sharon Williams volunteered on the day and also took part in the 2km walk with her mother, husband and children. They were all walking in memory of Sharon’s father who had dementia and died in February.

She said: “It’s been a lot of hard work organising the Memory Walk but also great fun. It was a very emotional day and lots of people turned up for a good family day out. It’s wonderful to see our efforts have pulled everyone together for the same cause - fighting dementia.”

Alzheimer’s Society spokesman, Jen Moseley said the walk went “fantastically well”.

“This is the first time Stevenage has held a flagship walk and Fairlands Valley Park proved to be a great location. I am incredibly grateful to the team of volunteers who have worked so hard to make the day possible.”