Birth of children is UK's happiest memory, Alzheimer's Society and care home group find

The UK’s happiest memory is the birth of children or grandchildren, according to a new poll by Alzheimer’s Society and Bupa Care Homes.

In second place came a came a holiday with 17 per cent, which was followed closely by spending time with family, (15 per cent).

The poll was released to launch Memory Walk, which is Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraising event and sees walks taking place around the UK throughout September. Memory Walk 2012 is being held in partnership with Bupa Care Homes. Together, Alzheimer's Society and Bupa aim to support more people living with dementia through the vital funds that are raised.

Alongside the poll, new Alzheimer's Society supporter and creator of Thunderbirds, Gerry Anderson has spoken for the first time about his dementia. See Sue Learner’s carehome.co.uk news story: www.carehome.co.uk/news/article.cfm/id/1557365/thunderbirds-creator-gerry-anderson-speaks-for-the-first-time-about-his-dementia

From a list of activities, the poll also found that 35 per cent of people’s favourite thing to do on a Sunday is spend time with their families. Going for a walk and doing nothing both came in joint second place with 15 per cent each. From the list, the least favourable thing to do on Sunday was going to a pub at four per cent, with 18-24 year olds the least keen on this option (one per cent).

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer's Society, said: “Memory Walk provides an excellent opportunity for families to spend time together at the weekend whilst helping raise money to support people with dementia. From shorter walks to Memory Walk 'marathons' there's something available for the whole family.”

Mark Ellerby, managing director of Bupa Care Services, said: “As the biggest provider of specialist dementia care in the UK, I'm delighted we're supporting Memory Walk for a second year.

"As well as the 16 flagship walks, we're encouraging our dementia care homes across the UK to organise their own Memory Walk, to get staff, residents and their families walking during the month. We've set ourselves a tremendous target and I really hope we reach our goals.”

There are currently 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK and the money raised by Memory Walk will help support people with dementia all over the country.

To register for Memory Walk 2012 visit www.memorywalk.org.uk