Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk returns to Pennington Flash in Leigh on Sunday 5 July, with residents invited to walk in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.
The fundraiser starts at 11am at the nature reserve. It is free to join, donations are encouraged, and the event is open to everyone, with a choice between a 5km route and a shorter, more accessible stroll of around 20 minutes.
Run by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, the Memory Walk has become a regular community fixture over the past 13 years. This year’s event is also the only Wigan Borough Memory Walk planned for 2026, which organisers say puts extra focus on the Pennington Flash gathering.
July walk returns to Pennington Flash
The setting is part of the appeal: Pennington Flash gives families a nature reserve backdrop for a fundraiser built around walking, remembrance and support for people affected by dementia.
More than 300 people attended last year’s Memory Walks at Pennington Flash and Haigh Woodland Park, raising more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Organisers are hoping the single 2026 event will bring together walkers from across the borough.
Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said dementia continues to have a devastating impact locally, affecting loved ones, relatives and friends across the community.
He said one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime, and urged residents to support the Alzheimer’s Society’s research and care work by joining the walk.
Two routes and family activities
Participants can choose the 5km route around the nature reserve or take the shorter stroll, which is described by organisers as more accessible and lasting around 20 minutes.
The day will also include music and family activities. For children, organisers have planned a special adventure trail alongside Pennington Flash’s usual attractions, including its nature-themed play area.
That flexible format matters for a community event of this kind. People who want a longer sponsored walk can take on the 5km route, while families, older residents or those who prefer a gentler pace can still take part without committing to the full distance.
Councillor Ready said the walks are often uplifting occasions, bringing people together to support loved ones or remember those who have died.
Pauline Blackie, the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia café coordinator for Wigan Borough, said the charity provides local and national services for families affected by all types of dementia, while also funding research and campaigning on dementia support.
How to register and donate
The event is free to join. Donations can be made on the day or through the official Just Giving page, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society.
Advance registration is available through the Be Well Wigan app or website. People can also register on the day, but signing up early is advised by organisers for anyone who wants to save time and guarantee a certificate of participation.
Walkers who donate £10 or more will receive a special Memory Walk souvenir tote bag. Official sponsorship forms are available through the Be Well website.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk |
| Date | Sunday 5 July 2026 |
| Time | 11am |
| Venue | Pennington Flash, Leigh |
| Cost | Free to join; donations encouraged |
| Routes | 5km walk or shorter 20-minute stroll |
| Cause | Alzheimer’s Society |
The event is organised by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, with registration available in advance through the Be Well Wigan app or website and on the day at Pennington Flash.
Source: Wigan Council
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This preview was built from the published Wigan Council event information and checked for date, venue, cost and registration details.
- Confirmed the event name as Wigan Borough's Memory Walk.
- Checked the date, time and venue: Sunday 5 July 2026, 11am, Pennington Flash in Leigh.
- Confirmed entry is free, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer’s Society.
- Checked the route options and advance registration details.
- Source
- Wigan Council
- Scope
- Leigh
- Updated
- 2026-06-04 21:16
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