Leigh Memory Walk returns free at Pennington Flash: what residents need to know

Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk will return to Pennington Flash in Leigh on Sunday 5 July, bringing residents together for a free fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

The walk starts at 11am and is open to everyone. It is organised by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, with donations encouraged and all proceeds going to the charity.

Participants can choose the full 5km route around the nature reserve or take a shorter, more accessible stroll lasting around 20 minutes. Music, family activities and an adventure trail for children are also planned.

Sunday walk at Pennington Flash

The 2026 Memory Walk will be held at Pennington Flash, the Leigh nature reserve that has become one of the borough’s familiar outdoor gathering places for community events.

This year’s event is being treated as a single borough-wide Memory Walk. Wigan Council said that, unlike recent years, there will be no second walk elsewhere in the borough in 2026, so organisers are hoping for a strong turnout at Pennington Flash.

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.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said many residents know someone affected by dementia, whether a loved one, relative or friend. He said the council wanted people to come along to support families in the community and raise money for dementia care and research.

Routes for different walkers

The main route is a 5km walk around the nature reserve. For anyone who wants a shorter option, organisers are also offering a more accessible stroll of around 20 minutes.

That flexible format means the event is not just for regular walkers. Families, friendship groups, carers, supporters and people attending in memory of someone can take part at a pace and distance that suits them.

The source notice says the event will include music and family fun, with a special adventure trail for younger children alongside Pennington Flash’s usual attractions, including its nature-themed play area.

Pauline Blackie, the Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia cafe coordinator for Wigan Borough, said the charity provides local and national services for families affected by all types of dementia, funds research and campaigns for dementia to be treated as a priority.

Key details for residents

The event is suitable for everyone, according to the council notice. Donations can be made on the day, and people who donate £10 or more will receive a special Memory Walk souvenir tote bag.

Registration before the day

Residents can register on the day, but advance sign-up is available through the Be Well Wigan app or website. The council says registering in advance can save time and guarantee a certificate of participation.

Official sponsorship forms are available through Be Well, and donations can also be made through the event’s official Just Giving page, with every penny going to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Source: Wigan Council

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This preview is based on Wigan Council's published event notice and keeps the practical details to the confirmed date, venue, routes, cost and registration information.

Checks

• Confirmed the event name as Wigan Borough's Memory Walk.
• Confirmed the date, time and venue as Sunday 5 July 2026, 11am, at Pennington Flash in Lei...
• Confirmed the event is free to join, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer's Society...
• Confirmed the route options as a 5km walk and a shorter 20-minute accessible stroll.

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Wigan Council

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Leigh

Updated

2026-06-04 21:15

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Article contextPeople & topics2#7

Chris ReadyPauline Blackie

#Alzheimer's Society#Be Well Wigan#Dementia fundraising#Family events#Leigh#Pennington Flash#Wigan Borough's Memory Walk

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