The Memory Trail, an 11-mile fundraising trek was completed by 44 walkers on Sunday 5th October. The event, organised by West Herts Hospitals Charity in partnership with the Abbey Line Community Rail Partnership, raised over £7,000 to enhance dementia services at Watford General.
The route saw West Herts staff, friends, family and supporters follow the Abbey Line Trail through the Hertfordshire countryside, starting at St Albans City Hospital and finishing at Watford General, where the dementia unit is based. The walk was spearheaded by a team of 21 staff members from Oxhey Ward.
Funds raised will be used to enhance the ward environment and create a purpose-built dedicated activities room on Oxhey Ward. This new space will enable staff to provide a wide range of therapeutic and engaging activities—from arts and crafts and board games to music sessions and seated exercises—all designed to improve cognitive function, reduce anxiety, and enhance patients’ overall well-being.
Lesley Thompson, Sister on Oxhey Ward (pictured below with pink hair!), spoke to Justin Dealey on BBC Three Counties Radio during the walk and shared the team’s exhaustion and elation at the finish line: “My hips and legs are killing me, there’s a couple of us that can’t feel our feet anymore, but we are equally exhilarated that we’ve done it! The weather has been great, the scenery has been fabulous. We’ve all enjoyed it but equally we are all quite tired now!
Alison Rosen, CEO of West Herts Hospitals Charity, who also participated in the walk, said. “Seeing everyone come out to support our dementia patients was fantastic – huge thanks to everyone who took part and supported. The funds raised will be used to enhance the dementia ward environment, helping to reduce anxiety and support patients’ cognitive health. We are so grateful to everyone who walked and donated.”
Check out the reel on our Instagram to see the highlights of the day!
