Actress Vicky McClure takes part in Alzheimer's Society Memory Walk

Alzheimer's Society Ambassador Vicky McClure cut the ribbon with a local family to start the Memory Walk at Wollaton Park

Line of Duty actress Vicky McClure said she felt "emotional" during a walk for dementia after it was forced online last year due to the pandemic.

The Memory Walk in Nottingham, is the region's biggest fundraising event for the Alzheimer's Society, but has not been held in person since 2019.

Ms McClure lost her grandmother to dementia in 2015.

The Alzheimer's Society said that, for people living with dementia, the pandemic had been "catastrophic".

'Hugely impacted'

More than 1,000 people - including both those who themselves have dementia or who have loved ones with the symptoms - signed up to take part in the event at Wollaton Park, walking between one-point-two and three-point-four miles (2-5.5km).

The Line of Duty actress taking part in the 2019 event - the last time the walk was held in Wollaton Park

Ms McClure said: "I'm really excited to be going back to Wollaton Park for this year's Memory Walk.

"After so long, it's emotional to see lots of people take part.

"It's even more special to know that we'll all be walking for a loved one with dementia, and for those who may have been hugely impacted by the pandemic."

Ms McClure talked about caring for her grandmother in her documentary Our Dementia Choir

In 2019, the actress presented a documentary called Our Dementia Choir in which she talked about caring for her grandmother, Iris.

One fundraiser David Smith, from Nottingham, who helped cut the ribbon, walked in memory of his granddad and his auntie who was living with early onset dementia.

"Granddad was my best friend," he said. "It was difficult to watch the way dementia changed him... but I hold on to the memories.

"To see my kind and intelligent auntie also succumb to the devastating effects of dementia has been hard for the entire family".

Mr Smith added he was also raising money to help support families looking after those affected by the disease.

The Memory Walk in Nottingham is one of 19 taking place in England, Wales and Northern Ireland during autumn

The event is one of 19 walks taking place throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland during the autumn, with the money raised helping the Alzheimer's Society provide information and support to people affected by dementia.

Ms McClure has taken part in the Nottingham event for more than a decade, although the 2020 events had to be held virtually.

Nasim Minhas, the society's area manager, said: "The last year has been tough for everyone, but for people living with dementia the impact of coronavirus has been catastrophic.

"Every step our fundraisers take will make a huge difference by providing a lifeline for people affected by dementia who have been worst hit."