​Michelle leads Longford Memory Walk in honour of her late parents

​The Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) will once again bring communities together this September for its annual Alzheimer’s Memory Walk, supported by Aviva Ireland (Aviva).

​Taking place in over 40 locations nationwide on Sunday, September 20, the event invites families, friends, neighbours and those living with dementia to come together, support one another, share old memories and make new ones.

With World Alzheimer’s Day taking place on Monday September 21, the Sunday walk marks a key moment in World Alzheimer’s Month.

Among this year’s dedicated group of ambassadors, advocates and local champions is Longford’s Local Champion, Michelle Victory-Linnane.

Michelle sadly lost her mum, Breda to dementia last November, following what she describes as an eight‑year long goodbye.

Her mum was her best friend, and watching her decline so quickly after her diagnosis in January 2017 was incredibly difficult for the entire family.

Throughout her mum’s journey, Michelle’s dad, Liam, was a constant source of strength.

He visited his wife twice daily, every day, until his sudden passing last October - less than six weeks before Michelle’s mum died.

Michelle recalls that her mum understood when they gently told her that her husband had passed away.

“She deteriorated immediately, as if she knew it was okay now to go,” Michelle says.

Dementia has touched many members of Michelle’s extended family on her mum’s side, and last September she decided to channel her grief into action.

She organised a local Memory Walk in Longford to raise funds and awareness, a walk her dad proudly took part in just four weeks before he died.

Michelle sees her involvement as a way to give back to The Alzheimer Society of Ireland, whose support helped her family navigate her mum’s diagnosis and the realities of living with dementia.

The family found great solace in speaking with ASI staff, receiving practical advice, and accessing day centre hours that provided much‑needed respite for the family, while caring for Michelle’s mum.

Memory Walk honours, remembers and recognises the 64,000 people in Ireland living with dementia, along with their families and carers. It also cherishes the memory of those who are no longer with us.

In 2025, almost 3,000 walkers took part, raising over €240,000 to help fund vital ASI services including Daycare, Family Carer Training, Social Clubs, Dementia Cafés and the National Helpline.

Support Michelle and the Longford Memory Walk by registering at www.memorywalk.ie.

Participants will receive an Alzheimer’s Memory Walk pack, including a t‑shirt. Adult registration is €20, and a child’s pack is €5.

Michelle will lead the Longford Memory Walk from Corlea Bog Walking Trail for a 5km loop which starts at 11am on Sunday, September 20.

And Michelle is encouraging people to join her, “We will be walking the 5km loop which is buggy friendly and people can walk at their own pace. We would love to see people of all ages getting out to support the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on September 20. Register now for your pack at memorywalk.ie.”