Alzheimer's Research UK

Hampshire artists raise money for Alzheimer’s

29/04/2010

A gala party will initiate events being held over three days from Friday 7th to Sunday 9th May, at the workshops based at Lains Farm, Quarley, Hampshire.

Mandy Atkinson-Willes, joint owner of Project Workshops with her husband, explained the motivation behind the events:

“My father, now 86, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 14 years ago so I am only too aware of the devastating effects it has not only on the individual but their family and friends too. The grand opening of our newly developed workshops provides the perfect opportunity to raise money and awareness of the need for more investment into this dreadful disease.

“The events will start with an Italian themed gala on the Friday evening. Guests will be able to enjoy a glass of wine and canapés in the beautiful surrounds of the traditional Edwardian farm buildings and courtyard, meet artists, enjoy a display of classic Ferrari cars and be the first to see and buy from our summer exhibition. Profits from ticket sales for the evening will be donated to the two charities together with monies raised from a silent auction of artwork donated by the artists.

“The summer exhibition will also be open to the public on the Saturday and Sunday with profits from admission costs and a raffle also contributing to our fundraising total.”

Miranda Mays, Community and Corporate Fundraising Manager, for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, said:

“We are very grateful to Mandy, her husband and the artists at Project Workshops for all their efforts. By raising money for vital dementia research they are helping to bring new preventions, treatments and an eventual cure ever nearer.

“Over 15,500 people in Hampshire are living with the daily reality of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, one of the highest county figures in the UK. More investment into research is desperately needed and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust relies entirely on its wonderful supporters.”

More information about the gala evening and summer exhibition can be obtained by phoning Project Workshops on 01264 889889 or online at www.project-workshop.co.uk.