Leigh Memory Walk at Pennington Flash on July 5

Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk will return to Pennington Flash in Leigh on Sunday 5 July at 11am, giving residents a single 2026 date to walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The fundraiser is free to join, with donations encouraged. It is open to everyone, and participants can choose either a 5km route around the nature reserve or a shorter, more accessible stroll of around 20 minutes.

Run by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, the annual event has raised thousands of pounds for dementia care and research over the past 13 years. Organisers say this will be the only Wigan Borough Memory Walk in 2026.

The July walk returns to Pennington Flash

Pennington Flash is again the setting for the borough’s Memory Walk, with the route built around the nature reserve rather than a closed, competitive race format.

Last year’s Memory Walks at Pennington Flash and Haigh Woodland Park drew more than 300 people and raised more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. This year’s event brings the focus back to Pennington Flash for one borough-wide walk.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said dementia continues to have a devastating impact locally, with many families knowing someone affected by the disease.

He said the council wants residents to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s research and services, adding that this year’s single walk should be made the biggest of the series.

Two routes, music and family activities

The main walking option is a 5km route around Pennington Flash. For people who want a gentler option, organisers are also offering a shorter stroll expected to last about 20 minutes.

The event is being framed as a family day out as well as a fundraiser. The source details music, family fun and a special adventure trail for younger children, alongside the reserve’s usual attractions including its nature-themed play area.

That flexibility matters for a community event built around remembrance and support. People can attend with family, walk in memory of someone, support a friend, or simply help raise money for dementia care and research without needing to commit to a long-distance challenge.

Pauline Blackie, the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia cafe coordinator for Wigan Borough, said the charity provides local and national services for families affected by all types of dementia, as well as funding research and campaigning.

She said every donation takes the charity closer to a future where dementia no longer devastates lives.

Key details for planning the day

Registration and donations

People can register on the day, but advance sign-up is available through the Be Well Wigan app or website. The council says registering in advance can save time and guarantee a certificate of participation.

Participants who donate £10 or more will receive a special Memory Walk souvenir tote bag. Donations can also be made on the day or through the official Just Giving page, with the source stating that every penny goes to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Source: Wigan Council

Context & actions About this article Report Share

Source check Source trail

This preview is based on Wigan Council's published event notice and keeps to the stated date, venue, cost and registration information.

Checks

• Confirmed the event name as Wigan Borough's Memory Walk.
• Checked the date, time and venue as Sunday 5 July at 11am at Pennington Flash, Leigh.
• Checked that entry is free, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer's Society.
• Checked the route options, including the 5km walk and shorter accessible stroll.

Wigan Council Check wider coverage

Source

Wigan Council

Scope

Leigh

Updated

2026-06-04 20:56

Report

Article contextPeople & topics2#7

Chris ReadyPauline Blackie

#Alzheimer's Society#Be Well Wigan#Dementia fundraiser#family activities#Leigh#Pennington Flash#Wigan Borough's Memory Walk

Share: