Forget Me Not walk brings Monaco together for Alzheimer’s awareness
Monaco hosted the first Forget Me Not charity walk on Saturday, 12 September, bringing together around 100 people in support of families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
Created by Danish fashion designer Isabell Kristensen, the five-kilometre event was inspired by the loss of her father to Alzheimer’s last year, with all registration fees donated to the Monegasque Association for Research into Alzheimer’s Disease (AMPA).
Listen to this article
The initiative was designed to approach a difficult subject in a positive way, combining walking, fashion, art and activities centred around memory.
Participants were encouraged to dedicate their walk to someone they wanted to remember or celebrate.
The route took the group through several locations in the Principality.
At Place du Palais, participants gathered for a moment of reflection before continuing, carrying light blue parasols, towards the Princess Grace Japanese Garden, where a treasure hunt was organised.
The walk then returned to Monaco-Ville.
Kristensen said she wanted to turn the pain of losing her father into a joyful event, while highlighting the importance of memories for those whose loved ones are affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
The walk also aimed to create a sense of community for people with similar experiences and raise greater awareness of the condition ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on 21 September.
All money raised through the €35 registration fee will go to AMPA, supporting its work in research, awareness and assistance for families affected by Alzheimer’s.
Following the turnout for the first edition, Kristensen said she hopes Forget Me Not will become an annual event in Monaco.