Free Leigh Memory Walk returns to Pennington Flash

Name: Wigan Borough's Memory Walk
Start: 2026-07-05T11:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-07-05
Location: Pennington Flash

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-06-02 20:54 Updated: 21:08 3 min read

A discarded blue rubber wristband lying on a dirt forest trail near green plants.

Music, family activities and a choice of walking routes will be part of Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk when it returns to Pennington Flash in Leigh on Sunday 5 July.

The fundraiser starts at 11am and is free to join, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer’s Society. Run by Wigan Council’s Be Well leisure and wellbeing service, it is open to everyone, including families and people who want a shorter walk rather than the full 5km route.

11am start at Pennington Flash

Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk will take place at Pennington Flash, the nature reserve in Leigh, on Sunday 5 July 2026. Participants can register in advance through the Be Well Wigan app or website, and registration will also be available on the day.

The event is the borough’s only Memory Walk for 2026, according to Wigan Council, with the free Leigh walk encouraging residents to take part either in support of someone living with dementia, in memory of someone who has died, or simply to raise funds for dementia care, research and support.

Councillor Chris Ready, Wigan Council’s cabinet portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said dementia continues to have a devastating impact in local communities and urged people to “sign up, come along and walk with us for a world without dementia.”

A 5km route and a shorter accessible stroll

Walkers can choose between a 5km route around Pennington Flash or a shorter, more accessible stroll lasting around 20 minutes. That gives the event a wider reach than a single-distance fundraiser, with options for regular walkers, families with children and people who may prefer a gentler route.

The day will also include music and family fun. A children’s adventure trail is planned alongside the reserve’s usual attractions, including its nature-themed play area.

Last year, more than 300 people attended Memory Walks at Pennington Flash and Haigh Woodland Park, raising more than £3,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. The council said the annual event has raised thousands over the past 13 years to support dementia care and research.

Practical details for anyone planning to go

Detail	Information
Event	Wigan Borough’s Memory Walk
Date	Sunday 5 July 2026
Time	11am
Venue	Pennington Flash, Leigh
Cost	Free to join; donations encouraged
Routes	5km route or shorter 20-minute stroll
Registration	Be Well Wigan app or website, or on the day

People who register in advance can save time and guarantee a certificate of participation. Those who donate £10 or more will receive a Memory Walk souvenir tote bag, according to the event information.

Donations can be made on the day or through the official Just Giving page, with proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society. Official sponsorship forms are available through Be Well.

Source: Wigan Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Source trail

This preview is based on the published Wigan Council event notice and keeps to the confirmed date, venue, cost and registration details.

Checks

Confirmed the event name as Wigan Borough's Memory Walk.
Confirmed the date, time and venue as Sunday 5 July, 11am, at Pennington Flash in Leigh.
Confirmed the event is free to join, with donations encouraged for the Alzheimer’s Society...
Confirmed route options include a 5km walk and a shorter 20-minute accessible stroll.

Wigan Council Check wider coverage