Fundraiser no doddle

KELLY HODEL/ Waikato Times

STEP BY STEP: From left, Jane Kay, Neil Timmo and Wayne Pruden near Morrinsville as part of the Alzheimers Waikato Memory Walk across the region.

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Jane Kay's feet were aching by the time she reached Morrinsville but she was determined she would keep walking.

She is one of a group walking from Te Kuiti to Thames in the fundraising Alzheimers Waikato Memory Walk.

Alzheimers Waikato, the region's support group for those suffering from dementia and their families, was forced to close its doors in July because it did not have enough money to continue operating.

Since then Mrs Kay and a group of former Alzheimers Waikato workers have continued to offer support services but in a limited capacity, with only enough funding to operate their free support line until December. But the group are determined that support will continue and they are now on a mission to raise $20,000 through the walk.

Mrs Kay, Wayne Pruden and other supporters were to walk from Morrinsville to Te Aroha today and then on to Paeroa tomorrow. They will be supported by Florence Monson, who will drive behind them in a bright yellow car donated to the group by Ingham Honda in Hamilton.

Mrs Monson said people had given generously and had even walked with them for part of the way to show their support. Once the group reach Thames on Thursday they will drive around the Coromandel Peninsula, stopping in each town to take up a collection.