Tim supports walk in memory of his dad

Tim supports walk in memory of his dad

10 September 2014

THE memory of his dad’s battle with dementia has prompted Downpatrick rock star, Tim Wheeler, to back a major fundraising drive by the Alzheimer’s Society.

George Wheeler was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008 and passed away in 2011. Since then Tim, who is the leader singer with the rock group, Ash, has been a huge supporter of the society helping to raise vital funds for research and support services.

Tim is encouraging people to sign up for the Alzheimer’s Society’s Belfast Memory Walk which takes place at the Stormont Estate on Saturday, September 20, to raise awareness of dementia and fundraise for the society.

Tim, who formed Ash in Northern Ireland in the early-90’s, has described his father’s illness on a number of the songs on the band’s forthcoming album.

“My father had dementia, so it’s a subject that’s very close to my heart and I am passionate about the work of Alzheimer’s Society,” he said.

“It was great to be able to work on the TV campaign for Dementia Friends and now I’m backing this year’s Memory Walk campaign,” added Tim.

“There are two walks taking place in Northern Ireland — one in Belfast and one in Foyle and rain or shine they will be fantastic.

“Go along, raise some cash, remember loved ones and you’re guaranteed a truly uplifting day.”

Memory Walk is the Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event which sees walks taking place around the UK throughout the autumn to raise money for people affected by dementia and their carers.

It is a day to walk, share and celebrate someone special and everyone walks with one common goal: to defeat dementia.

Participants at the Belfast Memory Walk can choose between a shorter two kilometre walk or the longer, more challenging ten kilometre mile walk both of which take in the Stormont estate.

Live music, circus inspired entertainment and refreshments will be waiting for walkers after they cross the finish line. The event gets underway at 11.30am.

To register or for more information, please visit http://www. memorywalk. org.uk/ belfast.