Free Memory Walk for dementia care in Leigh on 5 July
Pennington Flash will host Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk on Sunday 5 July, with residents invited to walk in support of Alzheimer’s Society fundraising.
The event starts at 11am at Pennington Flash in Leigh. It is free to join, donations are encouraged, and Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service says the walk is suitable for everyone.
Pennington Flash hosts the borough’s only Memory Walk this year
Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk returns to the Leigh nature reserve as a single borough-wide event for 2026. In recent years, walks have also been held at Haigh Woodland Park, but organisers say this year’s Pennington Flash event will be the only Memory Walk in the borough.
The fundraiser has run for 13 years and has already raised thousands of pounds for dementia care and research. Last year, more than 300 people attended Memory Walks at Pennington Flash and Haigh Woodland Park, raising more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said dementia continues to affect families across local communities. He said many people know a loved one, relative or friend affected by the disease, and urged residents to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s work through events such as the Memory Walk.
Two walking routes for different ages and abilities
Participants can choose between a 5km route around Pennington Flash or a shorter stroll lasting around 20 minutes. The shorter option is described by organisers as more accessible, giving families and walkers with different needs a way to take part without committing to the full route.
The event is aimed at everyone, including people walking in memory of someone, families affected by dementia, and residents who want to support local fundraising for dementia services and research.
Alongside the walk, organisers say there will be music and family activities. Children will also be able to take part in a special adventure trail, with the reserve’s usual attractions, including its nature-themed play area, also available on the day.
Key details for Sunday 5 July
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk |
| Date | Sunday 5 July |
| Time | 11am |
| Venue | Pennington Flash, Leigh |
| Cost | Free to join; donations encouraged |
| Cause | Alzheimer’s Society |
| Routes | 5km walk or shorter 20-minute stroll |
| Registration | Be Well Wigan app or website; registration also available on the day |
Donations go to the Alzheimer’s Society
All proceeds from the event will go to the Alzheimer’s Society. Pauline Blackie, the charity’s dementia café coordinator for Wigan Borough, said the organisation provides local and national services for families affected by different types of dementia, as well as funding research and campaigning.
She said every donation received through the Memory Walk takes the charity “one step closer” to a world where dementia no longer devastates lives.
People can donate on the day or through the official Just Giving page. The source notice also says every penny raised will go to the Alzheimer’s Society.
How to register before the walk
Residents can register on the day, but advance sign-up is available through the Be Well Wigan app or website. Organisers say signing up before the event can save time and guarantee a certificate of participation.
Anyone who donates £10 or more will receive a special Memory Walk souvenir tote bag. Official sponsorship forms are available through the Be Well website.
Source: Wigan Council
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This preview is based on Wigan Council’s published event notice and keeps to the stated date, venue, routes, cost and registration details.
- Confirmed the event date as Sunday 5 July.
- Checked the start time as 11am at Pennington Flash in Leigh.
- Verified that entry is free, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer’s Society.
- Included only the stated registration options: Be Well Wigan app, website, or on the day.
- Source
- Wigan Council
- Scope
- Leigh
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 20:57
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