A Coronation Street legend has completed an event which has raised awareness of a close cause four months on from when her dementia diagnosis was announced.
Julie Goodyear, who played Rovers Return barmaid Bet Lynch for more than 25 years in the ITV soap, joined thousands of walkers at a Heaton Park on Sunday to take part in a dementia fundraiser.
The 81-year-old from Bury was joined ar the Manchester Memory Walk by her husband, Scott Brand, who said that although Julie is living with Alzheimer's, she is "not suffering with it".
Scott said they were delighted to take part in the walk and added: “We want to make sure that anyone else who has been impacted by a dementia diagnosis knows they are not alone.
“We know that one in three of us born today will go on to develop dementia, and so many more families, friends and carers will be affected as a result."
Scott went on to praise the Alzheimer's Society team in Rochdale who have been "amazing" and "helped to take such a burden off our shoulders".
He said: "Julie is now living with Alzheimer's, not suffering with it - and that's a big difference.
“Calling these events 'memory walks' is most appropriate; of course, memory is one of the things most affected by this cruel disease, but Julie and I are also trying to make more memories together.
“Taking part in this walk was a wonderful new memory for us to share."
Memory walks are series of sponsored walks held in September and October across the UK with the most recent having been held in Heaton Park.
The aim of the walk is to bring thousands of people together to walk for a future "where dementia no longer devastates lives".
Sue Clarke, regional manager for Alzheimer’s Society, added: “We are in awe of our incredible fundraisers, who turned out in their hundreds and thousands to support the 30,000 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester.
“It was extremely moving to see so many people come together to honour or remember their loved ones.
“Every pound raised from the Manchester Memory Walk at Heaton Park will make a huge difference.
“Supporters will be walking to fund faster diagnosis, ongoing support and vital research, helping people with dementia live more fulfilled lives now and in the future.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make this year’s memory walk such a brilliant success.”
News of Julie's diagnosis was announced by Scott in June.
At the time, he said: "My darling wife and I have had to come to terms with this heartbreaking diagnosis.
"Unfortunately, Julie has been suffering forgetfulness for some time and we have been seeking medical advice and assistance, but we now know that there is no hope of a reversal in the situation – and that her condition will get progressively, and perhaps speedily, worse.
"We have taken the decision to publicly announce the diagnosis as Julie still loves visiting friends and eating out.
“Inevitably she is recognised, and fans love to meet her – and she them – but she can get confused particularly if she is tired. I hope people will understand.”
Since leaving the cobbles, Goodyear, who appeared in Weatherfield from 1966 to 2003, has appeared on Celebrity Come Dine With Me, Celebrity Big Brother and also had a brief role on Hollyoaks among other TV stints.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here