Inaugural Memory Walk raises vital funds

The inaugural Gosford Memory Walk & Jog, held on February 23 and spearheaded by Central Coast local Monica Riquelme, raised over $28,000 to support Dementia Australia.

The remarkable community effort began as a personal mission for Riquelme, who lost her father to dementia.

With no prior event planning experience, she registered, planned and executed the event in just under six months, stepping well outside her comfort zone to honour her late father.

Recognising the scale of the challenge, Riquelme sought guidance from Neil Prosser and the Terrigal Trotters, organisers of the annual Bay to Bay Run.

Their expertise and support were instrumental in turning her vision into a successful event.

Thanks to the generosity of several local small businesses and Rotary clubs, the event was made financially possible.

Their sponsorship and community spirit played a crucial role in bringing the event to life.

The Gosford Memory Walk & Jog encouraged participants to move together for a cause, offering 2km, 5km or 10km walks or jogs.

Originally setting a goal of $5,000, the event far exceeded expectations, with 296 participants across 14 teams raising an incredible $28,041.

These vital funds will support Dementia Australia’s services, including counselling sessions, in-home care and respite support, education programs for healthcare professionals, and innovative research into dementia prevention and treatment.

Among the participating teams was Morgans Gosford Mind Warriors, led by Sophie Doyle (Retirement and Aged Care Specialist) and Simon Royle (Morgan Gosford Branch Manager).

Thanks to the generosity of clients, friends, family, the Morgans network, and the Morgans Foundation, the team raised $4,708 for the worthy cause.

Dementia awareness is crucial, with 1.5 million carers, family members and friends involved in caring for someone with dementia in Australia.

In NSW alone, more than 135,000 people are living with dementia.

Dementia is the second leading cause of death in Australia and is projected to become the leading cause in the near future.

For Sophie Doyle, the cause is deeply personal.

“Through my work, I regularly support families navigating the financial complexities of dementia care,” she said.

“Having seen dementia’s impact firsthand within my own family, I understand the emotional, physical and financial challenges that come with the condition.”

Doyle is also an active member of the Central Coast Dementia Alliance, dedicated to improving the lives of those impacted by dementia through advocacy, education and support.

Morgans Gosford has been a part of the Central Coast community for over 22 years and is a branch of Morgans Financial Limited, one of Australia’s leading stockbroking and wealth management firms.

The branch offers expert financial services, including stockbroking, investment advice, portfolio management, retirement planning, aged care planning and superannuation strategies.

Morgans Gosford is proud to support important community initiatives like the Gosford Memory Walk & Jog and remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected.

The Morgans Foundation, established in 2005, has donated over $20M to Australian charities, matching funds raised by Morgans branches for local community initiatives.