Walkers have raised much needed funds and awareness for dementia organisations.

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Despite challenging weather conditions intrepid fundraisers ensured their efforts paid off as part of the Defeat Dementia sponsored walk organised by the Alzheimer's Research Lowestoft fundraiding group.

Volunteer publicity and social media officer, Julie Durrant, said the walk was a big success.

She added: 'The weather conditions were atrocious, which meant we had to abandon our plans to hold the event on Lowestoft's Royal Green. We are very grateful to the Hotel Hatfield who stepped in at the last minute and donated a room in order for the event to take place.'

Pleasurewood Hills' mascot Woody Bear, and Peter Knight, Deputy Mayor of Lowestoft, accompanied by his wife Marina, met the walkers on Lowestoft seafront and, after a short speech, led the sponsored walk to Kensington Gardens, returning to join the event at the Hatfield Hotel afterwards.

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Mr Knight said: 'Alzheimer's is a cruel and common disease, so it was welcoming to see Lowestoft gather to combat it by raising funds for Alzheimer's Research UK. I would like to commend the fortitude of all the fundraisers, who worked so hard to make the event a success despite some particularly inclement weather. It was impressive to see the Hatfield Hotel step in at a late stage to provide an alternative indoor venue. I hope that the funds raised today will contribute towards the next big breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's.'

Of particular note, was one 85 year old local lady, who completed the walk accompanied by her son and his mother-in-law. Her determination and dedication was remarkable.

Local sea shanty group the Lowestoft Longshoremen lightened the mood and performed various shanties during the day.

Lowestoft longshoremen, Peter Bullard, said: 'Although the weather was not good and consequently visitor numbers were down, the Hatfield Hotel in their kindness loaned the Lowestoft fundraising group the basement room free of charge. That was so very good of them, and although takings would have been very much down we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. We hope that we can perform again next year.'

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

A raffle was drawn in the afternoon and prizes handed out by the team.

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)

Eastern Daily Press: The Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie DurrantThe Alzheimers Research UK Lowestoft Fundraising Group at the Defeat Dementia fun day and sponsored walk. Photo: Julie Durrant (Image: Julie Durrant)