TURQUOISE crowds trickled through picturesque University Parks to tackle the dementia timebomb.

More than 1,400 people pulled on Alzheimer’s Society t-shirts to take part in the charity’s Memory Walk yesterday, many in tribute to loved ones lost to the ‘heartbreaking’ disease.

Among them was Horton-cum-Studley grandfather Mike Fry, who walked with family including his wife Dot, who has dementia.

Mr Fry, who cut the ribbon to commence the walk at 11am, said: “I think the world of her. She is my best friend. We’ve been together a long time and I will look after her as long as I can.”

The couple have been together for 59 years, but Mrs Fry’s memory is becoming more muddled after being diagnosed with the condition three years ago.

Mr Fry said: “The Memory Walk was really emotional – I get a bit choked up when we were talking to people who are taking part.

“You should get out as much as you can when dementia enters your life and not sit indoors dwelling on it. Memory Walk shows that dementia is close to the heart of lots of families across Oxfordshire.”

The Oxford event has so far raised more than £63,800 for Alzheimer’s Society, which supports people affected by the disease as well as funding research.

Participants took part in 3km or 6km routes around the venue off Parks Road.

Dog owners were out in force for the event, with many pooches sporting matching blue scarves to show their support.

East Oxford resident Zoe Randall took part with fellow members of a Florence Park dog-walking group, alongside their four-legged friends. The 43-year-old said: “It’s a wonderful cause; Alzheimer’s is heartbreaking.”

She said the atmosphere on the walk was ‘amazing’.

First across the finish line was Carterton resident Neil Grant, whose mum and mother-in-law both have dementia. He said: “Dementia is a devastating condition but Memory Walk makes me confident we are moving in the right direction.

“It’s a really special event because it unites people against dementia and everyone coming together means a cure is a step closer.”

Jade Walls, who lives in Cowley, also took part yesterday alongside her partner and two children.

The 28-year-old, who was walking in memory of her grandparents, said: “For us it’s about raising awareness.

“My grandfather lived with dementia for a long time before we knew about it. People have no idea how it can take over lives.”

Claire Haines, Memory Walk officer for Alzheimer’s Society, said the event was a ‘huge success’, adding: “I am so glad that people stepped out in their hundreds to improve the lives of people living with the condition.”