Walking group sparks memories for residents with dementia

A WALK in the park helped one elderly resident with dementia bring back fond memories.

Fergus McLellan, 87, joined the Age UK Teesside walking group for a stroll around Stewart Park, in Middlesbrough.

Alongside fellow The Beeches Care Home resident Olive Thompson, 91, the pair completed over 6,000 steps, according to their pedometer.

The walk took them on a circular route past the duckpond, Captain Cook Museum and on to Harry’s Café, where they enjoyed tea and biscuits with other walkers.

Fergus, who was born in Glasgow, has been a keen walker all his life, having trod the length of Hadrian’s Wall, the Peaks in Derbyshire and the Cairngorms.

Unable to cover the same distance anymore, he was pleased to complete the walk through Stewart Park, which brought back many happy memories.

He said: “I can’t walk as far as I used to but I was glad to be out and about. I was happy to see the 6,000 steps on the counter. It made me feel alive again.”

Olive added: “What a fun morning. I didn’t expect it to be this nice.”

During the walk, he was recognised as the organist who played “Here comes the bride” at fellow walker Sue Gillies’ wedding in 1995, at St Andrew’s & St George’s Church, in Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees.

Sue brought her father along, who also has dementia, and the three enjoyed chatting about the occasion.

The two residents from The Beeches Care Home, on Green Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, were also joined by the home’s activities coordinator, Jess Roth, for the walk.

She said: “What are the chances of going to a walk in Stewart Park and running into someone whose wedding he played at over two decades ago?

“Her heart was full, as it was so moving to see and hear Fergus’s recollection.

“Thanks so much to Age UK Teesside and the Live Well Hub in Thornaby for organising the walk.”