Neighbours star Takaya Honda lined up to MC Brisbane Memory Walk & Jog

Dementia Australia

Best known for his role in Network Ten soap ‘Neighbours’, Takaya Honda is getting ready to host another Memory Walk & Jog event for Dementia Australia.

Takaya Honda is a familiar face at the Memory Walk & Jog series of events and will meet participants at the starting line as he performs Master of Ceremony duties at the Brisbane event on Sunday 29 May 2022 at Rocks Riverside Park in Seventeen Mile Rocks.

Takaya explained that since his mother was diagnosed with younger onset dementia in her early 50s, his family has received wonderful support from the community and from Dementia Australia.

“Participating in events like Memory Walk & Jog provides an opportunity to help raise awareness and reduce the stigma associated with dementia.

“Most importantly, we want to encourage people to seek support early if they are experiencing symptoms of the condition.

“I want to ensure that everyone who is impacted by dementia receives the invaluable care and support that my family received when my mum was diagnosed,” said Mr Honda.

Dementia Australia CEO Maree McCabe AM said she was delighted to welcome Takaya to the team for the day.

“We are delighted to have the support of such an enthusiastic group of Dementia Australia Ambassadors and other high-profile supporters, who are always willing to get involved in our Memory Walk & Jog events. Their presence adds to the experience for participants, and makes for an extra special day,” Ms McCabe said

“We are excited that the event will be returning to Brisbane as part of an expanded Memory Walk & Jog series in 2022 that will see us host events in more locations than ever before.”

Memory Walk & Jog is Dementia Australia’s largest fundraising initiative and raises much-needed funds to help provide invaluable support, education and resources for people impacted by dementia.

“Having participated in many of with these events right around the country, I speak from experience in saying how enjoyable and rewarding they are,” Ms McCabe said.

“They provide important opportunities for people impacted by dementia and their supporters to get together, walk, jog or run, raise money and share stories. Attendees impacted by dementia come away with the reassurance that comes with knowing they are not alone.

“Together, we can make the world look brighter for people with dementia.”

Currently there are an estimated 94,000 people living with dementia in Queensland. With that figure projected to increase to about 207,000 by 2058, events like Memory Walk & Jog play an important role not only in funding support, but also in raising awareness of dementia.

There are 19 Memory Walk & Jog events planned across Australia in 2022, which represents the series’ largest event program to date.

Each event is designed for people of all ages and abilities to select whether they take part in a walk, jog or run our 2km and 5km courses or take part in our timed 10km run. Participate as an individual, get a team together, or even come in fancy dress.

Each event offers fun for people of all ages and abilities. The course is family-friendly, and suitable for all levels of fitness. You can choose to take part as an individual or get a team together.

The safety and wellbeing of Memory Walk & Jog participants, volunteers and staff is Dementia Australia’s top priority at these events. The team is constantly monitoring the evolving situation with COVID-19, and remains in communication with the relevant federal, state and local authorities.

A robust COVID-safe plan has been tailored for each event and will be adapted as needed.

Register for the Brisbane Memory Walk & Jog event now, or find out about the other events planned across Australia at www.memorywalk.com.au

If you can’t attend one of the planned events in the series, why not consider organising your own group or individual walk or jog, with a My Way or Walk & Jog Impossible Challenge. More details can be found at www.memorywalk.com.au

Dementia Australia is the source of trusted information, education and services for the estimated half a million Australians living with dementia, and the almost 1.6 million people involved in their care. We advocate for positive change and support vital research. We are here to support people impacted by dementia, and to enable them to live as well as possible. No matter how you are impacted by dementia or who you are, we are here for you.

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/Public Release.