Leigh
Mildura Memory Walk & Jog
Meet Leigh Barry, one of our incredible Mildura Memory Walk & Jog supporters.
Leigh is a Mildura local who is extremely close to her family, who mean the world to her. A few years ago Leigh’s life changed dramatically when she found out her father was diagnosed with younger onset dementia at the age of 58.
One of her fondest memories was two years ago when she went to Queensland with her father, mother, brother and other family members. Creating incredible memories while her father still had some recollection was important to her and her family. Something that is deeply cherished and remembered.
A few years ago, Leigh had an unfortunate experience at her local shopping centre when her father was treated differently due to his gradual memory loss. It was then that she decided to do something to help raise awareness and educate the local community about Alzheimer’s and dementia. Leigh decided to host her own DIY Memory Walk & Jog, Dash 4 Dementia, after getting in touch with Dementia Australia on ways to get involved and help make a difference. She received the support she needed to get her started on her journey. Her main purpose in hosting her own DIY event was to raise awareness and provide information and education to the regional community.
She has held this event for the last three years and has raised over $30,000. All funds raised for this event assists with supporting people living with dementia, their families and carers. The event is a huge success with more people signing up through the years, and an event the community in Mildura look forward to yearly.
In 2020 due to family circumstances Dementia Australia will be giving Leigh a hand by hosting the Mildura Memory Walk & Jog! This is the first time we will be coming out to Mildura and we can’t wait to meet you all!
Leigh has continued to support Dementia Australia by attending the Melbourne Memory Walk & Jog event as a volunteer, always supporting Dementia Australia when she can.
Leigh would like to be remembered as a person always giving back to the community. With her hard work and dedication to her event, DIY Memory Walk & Jog Dash 4 Dementia, she surely has given back to the community and can be proud of all she has done. “I’d like to thank my family and friends that have helped me pull this together. I couldn’t have done it without their support.”
We can’t thank Leigh enough for her efforts in hosting her DIY Memory Walk & Jog, Dash 4 Dementia!
