CARLTON'S Nicola Stevens, Darcy Vescio and Tayla Harris swapped their footy boots for sneakers on Sunday, taking part in Dementia Australia’s ‘Melbourne Memory Walk & Jog’.

With more than 10 flagship walks and jogs across Australia, a record 1,700 participants turned out for the annual event at Westerfolds Park in Templestowe. 

Taking part in her fifth walk over a number of years, it’s a cause close to Stevens’ heart, after her mum Ann was diagnosed with early onset dementia in 2010.

Last year, the 25-year-old became an ambassador for Dementia Victoria, a role she is proud to hold.

“I’m really honoured to be an ambassador – my main focus is to help create and raise awareness around their campaigns,” Stevens said.

“Dementia isn’t something that is spoken about much in the community, so Sunday was a fantastic day to raise awareness and allow others to feel comfortable in that space.”

Tayla Harris (left), Nicola Stevens (second from left) and Darcy Vescio (right) with Melbourne City player Amy Jackson at the Melbourne Memory Walk & Jog. (Photo: Ari Hatzis, Dementia Australia)

During every game, Stevens wears a trademark white ribbon in hair, so her mum can easily identify her on the field.

“My mum is my biggest supporter and we were so happy to get the family together and celebrate her 60^th birthday recently,” Stevens said.

When Vescio heard Stevens was taking part in Sunday’s walk, the forward was more than happy to jump on board and support her teammate.

“Nic is really passionate about this cause and does a wonderful job as an ambassador,” Vescio said.

“It’s really important to support your teammates, so Tayla and I were delighted to walk alongside her.”

Tayla Harris and Darcy Vescio. (Photo: Ari Hatzis/Dementia Australia)

Stevens will also take part in this weekend’s walk in Geelong at Barwon Valley Park.

Kicking off at 8:45am, there’s still time to register if you’d like to be involved.

For more information, or to donate visit: www.memorywalk.com.au

So far, more than $379,000 has been raised across the country.

Dementia Australia is the charity for people with dementia and their families and carers. As the peak body, it provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 425,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach more than 1.1 million by 2056.