Hundreds of people united against dementia at the weekend for the Alzheimer's Society's Memory Walk at the Norfolk Showground.

Eastern Daily Press: Memory Walk 2017 at the Norfolk Showground. Picture: James Bass PhotographyMemory Walk 2017 at the Norfolk Showground. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: © James Bass 2017)

More than 1,700 people came together to complete the walk.

Among the crowd was four-year-old Ishani Mistry who was walking for her great-grandma, Doreen, who has dementia. Ishani has cerebral palsy, is profoundly hard of hearing and has regular seizures.

Despite these challenges, she came out with her family to raise money for Alzheimer's Society research and services.

Due to her condition, Ishani wasn't able to do the whole walk. However she was able to cross the finish line in a harness that helps her to walk with her mum Sarah Mistry, 39.

Eastern Daily Press: Memory Walk 2017 at the Norfolk Showground. Picture: James Bass PhotographyMemory Walk 2017 at the Norfolk Showground. Picture: James Bass Photography (Image: © James Bass 2017)

Ishani's dad, Jay Mistry, 37, said: 'Today has been absolutely amazing to raise awareness of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia - it has been really brilliant.

'My daughter is walking for her great-grandma who has dementia and it's great that despite having cerebral palsy she is able to join us and take part. You can see she is really happy dancing away and enjoying herself.'

More than 14,500 people across Norfolk are living with dementia and the condition is set to be the 21st Century's biggest killer.

The Norfolk Memory Walk starting ribbon was cut by six-year-old Freddie Hardingham and his mum Hannah Newstead from Wroxham near Norwich. Freddie was walking for his great-granddad who has Alzheimer's disease.

Hannah said: 'Today has been really inspiring and it's amazing walking for so many people affected by dementia. Freddie's had a great time walking and enjoyed giving out medals to people crossing the finishing line. It's been a brilliant day.'

Dementia devastates lives. Alzheimer's Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia. Dementia deaths are rising year on year and 225,000 will develop dementia this year - that's one person every three minutes.

Memory Walk aims to raise £9m nationally this year and bring together more than 110,000 walkers across the generations.

Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22.

For further information about Alzheimer's Society including details about local services, please visit alzheimers.org.uk