Alzheimer's Research UK

Dogstock music festival raises £1.5k for Alzheimer’s research

28/07/2010

The event, held on 17 July, raised £1,500 to boost funds for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

A barbecue, bouncy castle and brilliant stalls with local produce and crafts added to an afternoon and evening of family fun hosted at the popular village pub, The Dog Inn. Raffle prizes and donations were given by many businesses and individuals from the surrounding area with items ranging from weekends away at luxury hotels, dinner for two and hair and beauty treatments.

John Holmes, 25, from the nearby village of Buckshaw, organised the festival and explained the inspiration behind it and supporting the Alzheimer’s Research Trust:

“This is the second Dogstock Festival I’ve arranged and I couldn’t have done it without the help of my good friend Chris Allton. Everyone had a fantastic time and we’re thrilled to learn that the money raised will fund 120 hours of research into Alzheimer’s disease. We’re also making an additional donation to the local Genesis Day Centre, which cares for people with dementia.

“Chris and I first got the idea for the Festival when we were sitting in The Dog Inn one night enjoying a pint or two. We thought it would be a great opportunity for Whittle-le-Woods to show its community spirit and talent and raise money for charity at the same time.

“This year we decided the Alzheimer’s Research Trust should benefit because there’s very little funding for dementia research. It’s something I’m acutely aware of as my dear grandma, Monica, was diagnosed with this dreadful disease 18 months ago and, as a family, we’d been worrying about her for some time. We’d noticed her short term memory was getting progressively worse – she lost a lot of weight simply because she forgot to eat, she’d ring my parents and then keep ringing them back immediately, denying she’d just spoken to them. In the end, she couldn’t be left on her own and now she’s well looked after at a care home near Chorley.”

Miranda Mays, Community Fundraising Manager for the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:

“We really appreciate all the efforts made by John and Chris. By raising money for vital dementia research they are bringing new preventions, treatments and an eventual cure ever nearer.

“There are nearly 15,000 people in Lancashire living with the daily reality of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. More investment into research is desperately needed and the Alzheimer’s Research Trust relies solely on its wonderful supporters.”