A WOMAN who is living with Alzheimer’s disease has raised more than £600 by taking part in a fundraising walk for a dementia charity.
Julia Lee was diagnosed with the brain disease, which is the most commonly diagnosed cause of dementia, in 2022.
Previously a Downend resident, she now lives in Manor Cottage care home in Frenchay, supported by staff and an “amazing support network of family and friends”.
She took part in the Bristol Memory Walk in September for the Alzheimer’s Society, which funds research, provides support and campaigns for people living with dementia.
Julia said: “I’ve run the New York Marathon once. I’ve crossed the finish line of the London Marathon not once, but four times. I’ve felt the sky rush past me in a skydive, all for charity — because making a difference has always mattered to me. But now, the cause is even closer to home.”
Writing on her online fundraising page, Julia said being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s changes “how you see the world, how you move through it, and how the world sees you”.
“Living with Alzheimer’s has given me even more reason to keep moving, keep pushing, and keep giving back.”
Before her diagnosis Julia volunteered helping homeless people with the Bristol Soup Run charity, offering clothes and food as well as “dignity, hope, and a sense of belonging”.
She said: “Through it all, I’ve learned something powerful: we don’t have to be defined by our diagnosis, our past, or our pain. We can be defined by our actions, our courage, and the way we show up for others.”
Julia said she was doing the walk “not just for myself, but for every family, every friend, and every forgotten name”, adding: “Every step I take is a tribute — to the memories we hold onto, and the ones we fight to keep.
“Because while I may be living with Alzheimer’s, I’m also living with purpose. And I hope my steps — whether across a marathon finish line or down a quiet street during a charity walk — can inspire others to keep moving forward too.”
Julia completed a 2km course around Bristol Harbourside at the Memory Walk, despite feeling unwell on the day.
Manor Cottage staff member Ruby Sheppard said Julia had been a keen walker while living in Downend, and often talks about walking there and her many friends in the area.
Ruby said: “She was determined to still take part and raise money for something close to her heart.”
Julia’s fundraising page is at tinyurl.com/yc5zdref.