THE Guild Care charity hosted its fifth annual Walk To Remember with hundreds of people setting off from Worthing Pavilion on a 5k or 10k route across the seafront.

Entrants arrived early on a chilly autumn morning to register and receive their goody bags which included water donated by sponsors, protein balls and stepometers.

The walk was held at Goring Gap last year but this time started at Worthing Pavilion Theatre.

This was made possible by sponsors who covered the costs of the venue, allowing the charity to host its event at a key focal point in the town.

It was a big success with hundreds of people gathering to support and help raise vital funds for Guild Care’s dementia services.

There was music from Worthing’s Blue Steel Band.

Events officer Lily Banister-Weir said: “This year’s Walk to Remember was a huge success with 235 walkers taking part, all to raise money for our vital dementia services.

“We would like to thank everyone involved in the event helping raise awareness and hope to see you all again next year.”

People all had their own personal reasons for taking part.

For many it was having a loved one living with dementia, or who had died, and receiving help from Guild Care and its dementia services.

For some it was simply admiration for the help and support the charity gives to people in the community.

On the day people had the opportunity to write on Guild Care’s memory tree where they could leave messages about why they were walking and running.

These included: “To our lovely nanny and our mum. Living with dementia, but loved dearly, our grandad is so special.”

“For my beautiful nanny, always in our thoughts.”

“My lovely mum and dad, I miss you every day, I love you.”

Emily Dimer led an energetic warm-up that got the crowd started.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Worthing, Alex and Fran Harman, were there to show their support and hand out medals, as well as town crier, Bob Smytherman.

The morning brought together young and old with children as young as five walking and running alongside their family as well as residents from Guild Care’s three residential homes aged up to 100.

Suzanne Millard, chief executive of Guild Care, said, “Our events are just not possible without the generosity of our volunteers giving up their time and helping us out.

“We rely heavily on the support of all our helpers and staff.”