Source : https://www.ivybridge-today.co.uk
ROCK superstar Annie Lennox has donated £2,000 in aid of the Ivybridge Dementia Support Group.
The musician – one half of the popular duo Eurythmics – and is well known for her charity work.
Chrissie Harwood, secretary of the IDSG, is a friend and colleague of Annie and while discussing their recent news, Chrissie told Annie of her work with the Dementia Society. Annie was interested to hear of the group and their work around the South Hams and immediately offered a donation.
The money will be used to help the group extend the memory café to help younger people with dementia.
Frances Reeve, chairman of the Support Group, said: ‘We hold a memory café where we all meet and have fun but we also befriend people and enjoy trips out. Anyone with dementia is welcome to come along.
Gert Landers, vice chairman of the support group, said: ‘We have great fun and there is a lot of friendly banter.’
Annie Lennox said: ‘Dementia is a serious loss of cognitive ability in a previously unimpaired person, beyond what might be expected from normal aging.
‘It may be static, the result of a unique global brain injury, or progressive, resulting in long-term decline due to damage or disease in the body.
‘About 500,000 people in England have dementia, and although it can occur at any age, it’s more common in older people.
‘It truly gives pause for thought to realise that anyone can be affected by dementia, your family, your friends, work colleagues, or neighbours.
‘Not only is the life of a person who suffers from dementia radically impaired and altered, the lives of those closest to them are massively impacted as well.
‘There are not nearly enough specialist homes to deal with Dementia problems.’
The support group are holding an Evening of Entertainment on Saturday, November 27, which will be produced by Jonathan Harwood-Naisbitt, at the Watermark. Live music will be provided by the Astorian Dance Band.
Annie said: ‘The Evening of Entertainment will be a wonderful opportunity to make a little bit of difference to people in your local community.
‘Supporting this event will help to finance specialist nurses, in order to give carers a bit of a break – to taking both the patients and their carers on day trips, and provide entertainment at Memory Café meetings.
‘Be an angel, support Ivybridge Dementia Support Group.’
For more details about the Evening of Entertainment visit the Watermark or call the Box Office on 01752 892220.