A SOUTHAMPTON Football Club "legend" is urging people across generations to unite against the UK's biggest killer.

Lawrie McMenemy MBE, a former Saints Football Club manager, is encouraging people to join him in Southampton's Memory Walk against dementia for Alzheimer’s Society on Sunday, September 9.

As an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, Lawrie will be cutting the ribbon to set the walkers off in Southampton Common at 11am.

He said: "I’m looking forward to being part of Southampton Memory Walk this year.

"Having experienced dementia close hand including some of my footballing friends, I’d encourage more people to unite with us and walk for your family and friends affected by dementia."

All money raised will go towards funds for research and services to support individuals and families effected by dementia.

Participators are encouraged to arrive at "The Flats" by Cemetery Lake at 10am to take part in the warm-up before the walk.

There are two routes through the common that both start at finish at "The Flats".

The shorter 3.5km walk is suitable for walkers of all ages including pushchairs and wheelchairs, and the longer 7km walk will be two loops of the first, which is accessible to all with tarmac paths.

Alzheimer’s Society has pledged to invest £150 million in the next decade in the search for better treatments and work towards a cure.

Already, a sum of 1,949 supporters have registered to take part in the Southampton Memory Walk this year.

In total, there are 2,513 people in Southampton living with dementia, and 2,470 people took part in last year's event raising more than £140,000.

Gary Walker, Alzheimer’s Society services manager for the local area, said: "Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.

"We’re calling on people with dementia, family, friends and teams from across Southampton to unite against dementia this autumn.

"Dementia devastates lives, but every pound raised through memory Walk will help us provide vital information and support, improve care, fund research and create lasting change for people affected by the condition."

To register, visit: www.memorywalk.org.uk.