SINGER Alison Moyet joined 2,000 people at the start of a fundraising seafront stroll.

The Brighton Memory Walk took place on Saturday to boost funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Moyet, who lives in the city, decided to support the charity after her mother passed away with dementia last year.

The star also created a justgiving page for the event, which raised £5,500.

Those taking part enjoyed a Zumba warm-up before Moyet cut the ribbon at the start and they took part in a 2km or 7km route.

Moyet said: “Dementia has blighted my family and so it’s really salient to me to support Alzheimer’s Society.

“Memory Walk is an opportunity for everyone to come together to show solidarity in their commitment to beat dementia.

“Fundraising events like Memory Walk are so important to continue to fund research to find a cure and help future generations.”

The walk was the biggest one of its kind Sussex has hosted, with four-times the number of walkers compared to last year.

Money raised from the event currently stands at almost £90,000 with donations still coming in.

Charlotte Wood, 29, from Brighton, was accompanied by four other family members, ranging in age from 24 to 65 for the walk. .

She said: “It feels special to be part of such a successful Memory Walk because it’s so close to our hearts.

“We walked for my nan, Molly Stevens, who passed away in April this year.

“She was such a bright, caring person with the warmest smile and biggest heart.

“She would be so proud of us, knowing we are doing this for an amazing cause. She was such a giving and caring lady.”

Mrs Stevens lived with dementia for 10 years following her diagnosis and was cared for at home by Mrs Wood and her family.

Mrs Wood said: “Alzheimer’s didn’t define her. Despite her disease, Nan fought hard and was still smiling and laughing, like she always did, until the end.

“As a family we’ve received so much support from Alzheimer’s Society.

“It is so important to unite together to fight dementia. We must keep fighting to support future families.”

More than 24,000 people across Sussex are living with dementia, with almost 10 per cent of these based in Brighton and Hove.

Alzheimer’s Society provides a wide range of services for people affected by dementia, including dementia support workers, singing for the brain music sessions and dementia cafes.

The charity hopes to raise £150,000 from the event, which will help to support services like these, as well as fund ongoing research to ultimately find a cure.