Where: Pittville Park, Cheltenham

When: Sunday, October 13, 11am (arrive from 10am)

People across Gloucestershire are being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer's Society's Cheltenham Memory Walk, taking place at Pittville Park this Sunday, October 13.

Opening the walk this year will be Gloucestershire-based GP Dr Dawn Harper. A popular and engaging medical expert, Harper is well-known for her presenting role on Channel 4's award-winning series 'Embarrassing Bodies', where she explores and simplifies complex medical issues.

She will be joined by around 1,000 other walkers at the event, with sign-up still open until tomorrow (Thursday).

Dr Harper is urging more people to register for the event, to help Alzheimer's Society raise money to fund vital research and provide support to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer's Society has pledged to invest £150 million in the next decade to search for better treatments and work towards a cure for dementia.

Walkers can complete a 3km or 6km route through the picturesque park, in aid of dementia research. Both routes will start and finish at Pittville Pump Rooms.

The 3km route will involve a gentle stroll around the ornamental side of the park, before crossing into the wooded western side and is suitable for walkers of all ages, including pushchairs and wheelchairs. The longer 6km walk will be two laps of the shorter route and includes a detour around the wild meadow.

Dr Dawn Harper said: "I'm thrilled to be opening my local Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk in Cheltenham this year. As a GP and media doctor for over 10 years, I am fully aware that dementia is now the UK's biggest killer with someone developing it every three minutes - yet dementia research still trails far behind other health conditions, after decades of underfunding.

"In the hour-and-a-half it takes to complete your average Memory Walk, 30 people will develop dementia in the UK, and so it's vitally important that we fund research into the diseases causing dementia. Please unite against dementia with me and sign up to Memory Walk."

Lorna Robertson, Alzheimer's Society area manager for Gloucestershire, said: "Across Gloucestershire, around 8,800 people are estimated to be living with dementia. We are calling on family, friends - and furry four-legged supporters - to unite against dementia this autumn. Dementia devastates lives. Walk with us at Memory Walk and dementia won't win.

"Every pound raised will help Alzheimer's Society provide information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by dementia."

To sign up to the Cheltenham Memory Walk, visit the Memory Walk website.