Memories Matter campaign launch, Manchester, by The Alzheimer’s Research Trust, September 2009

The Alzheimer’s Research Trust chose Manchester to launch a nationwide awareness and fundraising campaign about Alzheimers called Memories Matter, on Monday 21st September, 2009. From Manchester, the campaign is going on a tour of the UK.

Manchester’s Chancellors Hotel and Conference Centre (Chancellors Way
Moseley Road, Manchester, M14 6NN) was chosen by the Alzheimer’s Research Trust to launch their Memories Matter campaign. Memories Matter aims to raise awareness of Alzheimers and to raise much needed money for the Trust.

The campaign highlights the memory loss caused by dementia every day. Around 700,000 people in the UK live with dementia and more than 10% of those live in the North West. With an ageing population, more and more people will be living with and/or affected by dementia. The launch included the unveiling of a unique memory wall which was covered in hundreds of sticky notes each featuring a precious memory submitted by supporters of the campaign.

Pauline McLynne (who plays Mrs Boyle in the TV comedy Father Ted) unveiled the Wall to coincide with World Alzheimer’s Day on the 21st September 2009. She spoke about the Memories Matter campaign and her experience of writing about Alzheimer’s for her book, Missing You Already. She also added her own memory to the wall.

The Wall is covered top to toe in memories from members of the public and celebrities alike. The Wall includes contributions from prime minister Gordon Brown, broadcaster Sir Michael Parkinson, author Terry Pratchett, actor John Suchet and historian Andrew Roberts.

You can read everyone’s memories, add your own and make a donation to the campaign by visiting the microsite – Memories-Matter.org or and you can also leave your memory on Twitter using the tag #memoriesmatter.