Four local women are taking strides for dementia awareness and research this month.

Robyn Brighouse, Lindsey Schofield, Jo Shearer and Caroline Upward have created a team called ‘Wanaka Movers: Just 30 Minutes’, aiming to raise awareness and support for Alzheimers Otago, whose ‘Move for Dementia’ campaign is running this month. 

“The campaign encourages people to get moving and to try and raise funds at the same time,” Wānaka Movers member Lindsey Schofield said. 

She said the Wānaka Movers had committed to exercising for at least 30 minutes every day in September to highlight the fact that daily exercise is good for the brain. 

The Wānaka Movers joined a seniors circuit exercise class earlier this month as part of their commitment to exercise for 30 minutes each day in September.

Halfway into the challenge the group has already mixed it up by doing everything from archery to biking, skiing to yoga, and gardening to a seniors circuit exercise class.

Around 70,000 Kiwis are living with dementia today and that number is expected to almost triple to 170,000 by 2050.

Lindsey said the issue was close to her heart, having watched her mother battle dementia for many years.

“Having just returned from England and seeing her celebrate her 90th birthday has made me even more determined to try and do what I can to raise awareness and funds.”

Alzheimers Otago is a charity which supports people affected by dementia.

To keep up to date with what the Wānaka Movers are doing or to make a donation, which will go to Alzheimers Otago, visit their fundraising page.

 For information about dementia, or help and support, contact Alzheimers Otago [email protected] or phone 03 448 9056.

PHOTOS: Supplied