Highgate actress Meera Syal leads fight against dementia at Memory Walk

Highgate actress and comedian Meera Syal led more than 3,000 people on a march around the Tower of London to raise money for dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society.

The star of The Kumars at No 42 took the first step at the annual London Memory Walk on Saturday, one of several taking place around the country.

Ms Syal, who appeared as the judge in the last season of Broadchurch, said: “It has been an honour today to launch the London Memory Walk and set off thousands of people walking for a world without dementia. I walked for a close family member living with dementia and for all of my friends whose loved ones have been affected by this cruel condition. As a family, we’ve received invaluable support from Alzheimer’s Society.

“The vital funds from today will help support and fund research for the 72,000 people that are living with dementia across London.”

The Memory Walk is Alzheimer’s Society’s flagship fundraising event, and is held to support people living with dementia and their carers, and to fund research into finding a cure.

There are currently 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK, while 225,000 are expected to develop the condition this year - one for every three minutes.

Siofra Gardner, Alzheimer’s Society’s community fundraiser for London, said: “The day was a huge success and I would like to say thank you to everyone who took part.

“The funds raised from London Memory Walk will be used to support people living with dementia and their carers, and to fund vital research into finding a cure.”

To find out about other Memory Walks, go to memorywalk.org.uk.