CAMPAIGNERS are preparing to take part in three simultaneous charity walks on Saturday to raise funds for a new dementia support service.

Lillette Ebrahim-Khan, manager of Palm Nursing Home in Glengall Road, Woodford Green, will be joined by dozens of friends and relatives at the event - which will involve three separate contingents walking from Wanstead, Woodford and South Woodford tube stations to Churchfields Park at the same time.

Mrs Ebrahim-Khan hopes the event, which begins at 10am, will raise more than £5,000 to fund services provided by the Alzheimers Society for people in Redbridge who suffer from dementia and their carers.

The 52 year-old, who has cared for elderly people for decades, said the families of dementia-sufferers need as much support as possible to cope with the stress and uncertainty caused by the condition.

She said: "It's so important that the families of people suffering from dementia get help.

"It can be really traumatic and stressful for people, particularly young people who don't really understand it.

"Dementia can completely change the personality of the person involved, which is very hard for people to cope with."

Mrs Ebrahim-Khan hopes to use the money to pay for a specially trained 'Admiral' nurse, who will attend meetings of the support service to offer expert advice and guidance.

She said: "We would like more people to join us on Saturday and to help us by donating money to the fund.

"We're hoping to finish up at Churchfields Park in Churchfields, at about 11.30pm."

Coral Kathro, Alzheimer’s Society Redbridge Branch Manager, said:

"We are honoured and grateful to the many individuals and organisations who are raising money and have donated funds during the past year.

"This money can provide more support home visits to people living with dementia, extend our social respite groups and ensure that all residents in Redbridge have access to quality support and information."

To make a donation visit: justgiving.com/lilletteEbrahimkhan