A charity is calling on people to help make strides in the fight against dementia by taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk to raise money for pioneering research.

Alzheimer’s Research UK is urging people to sign up for the event on 18^th September which is the final of the four in person Kiltwalks in Scotland this year. It is the first time since the pandemic that all four events will be run, with only the Glasgow and virtual events taking place last year and no physical events taking place in 2020.

The Kiltwalk is one of Scotland’s biggest annual fundraisers having raised £29million for charities since 2016.

There are three distances to choose from – the 24 mile Mighty Stride, 14.6 mile Big Stroll and 3.5-4.5 mile Wee Wander – and the Hunter Foundation boosts fundraising totals by 50 per cent.

Philippa Park, from Glasgow, has taken part in six Kilkwalks and the virtual event for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

She said: “My Gran, Daphne, had Alzheimer’s disease and it was heartbreaking to see the effect it had on her. It’s like losing your loved one twice and no one should have to go through that.

“This has driven me to raise funds for this incredible charity because I want to do what I can to help scientists find new treatments and then hopefully one day find a cure.

“The atmosphere at Kiltwalk is amazing and all the participants and supporters get you round even when you feel like giving up. I can’t recommend this event enough, no matter your fitness level.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK has invested nearly £8.4million in research in Scotland. The charity has funded 77 projects at the universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and St Andrews exploring the causes of dementia and working towards preventions, treatments and a cure for the diseases that cause dementia, like Alzheimer’s.

Bernie Carranza, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s Fundraising Officer for Scotland, said: “Unless we act now, one in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime.

“By taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk for Alzheimer’s Research UK you will be helping our scientists to make breakthroughs that will keep people connected to their families, their world and themselves for longer.”

To sign up for the Edinburgh Kiltwalk for go to www.thekiltwalk.co.uk/events/edinburgh/

For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org