Thousands of people are being called on to unite against dementia by signing up for Alzheimer's Society's Norfolk Memory Walk.

Sally Bennett, who lives in Hellesdon, is walking with her colleagues from the East of England Ambulance Service. And she is urging others to register for the event to help Alzheimer's Society raise money for research and services.

She said: 'We work with people affected by dementia on a daily basis and see the impact it has on friends, families and individuals first hand.

'It is a cause that is close to our hearts not only because of the work we do, but also because many of us have been affected by the condition personally.

'My own grandfather had a form of dementia which could make him aggressive. It was really upsetting to see someone I loved act so out of character.

'We are taking part in the walk to raise awareness of dementia and fund research to help find a cure. I encourage anyone who can to join us.'

Six-hundred supporters have already registered to take part in the Norfolk Memory Walk, which will be on Saturday, September 30, at the Norfolk Showground.

More than 14,500 people across Norfolk are living with dementia and last year's event – attended by almost 1,000 walkers – raised more than £69,000 to support the work of the charity.

Debbie Foster, Alzheimer's Society operations manager, said: 'Dementia is set to be the 21st century's biggest killer.

'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.'

'Alzheimer's Society is urgently calling on people to register now at memorywalk.org.uk and unite against dementia.'

The Memory Walk aims to raise £9m nationally this year and bring together more than 110,000 people together for the event.

The charity said 850,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia.

For more information visit alzheimers.org.uk or contact the national dementia helpline on 0300 222 11 22.