TV presenter Dick fires starting gun for 2,500 charity walkers

KIDS’ TV presenter Richard McCourt fired the starting gun for 2,500 walkers bidding to make new memories and remember Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers.

Richard, best known as one half of presenting duo Dick and Dom, was at Rother Valley Country Park on Saturday morning to officially start the Alzheimer’s Society Memory Walk.

The Sheffield-born TV star lost his mum Helen (64) five years ago after she had a long battle with Pick’s Disease, a form of dementia.

Among those taking part was Bramley mum Donna Shaw, who was inspired to sign up her dad David Hodgkinson — nicknamed Roadrunner by colleagues — was diagnosed as having dementia at the age of 63 last November.

“I just felt I needed to do something positive because it is such a negative disease,” said Donna.

“Dad was was full of life and everything to him when I was growing up was mind over a matter.

“Nothing fazed him. But now he's lost all his confidence. He is a completely different person.

“There has been a heart-breaking change but at least I’ve got some wonderful memories of a wonderful man and they inspire me to change things for the better.”

The walkers were out to smash last year’s total of £100,000.

Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk officer Lauren McEvoy said she had been stunned by the popularity of the event, saying: “It shows just how passionate South Yorkshire folk are about fighting dementia.

“These people are all walking for a world without dementia.

“We are certain that will make everyone optimistic about the future because momentum is building but I've been taken by surprise by just how many people are determined to do their bit for the Alzheimer’s Society.”