ROTARIANS in Leamington have been thanked in person for their support of the Alzheimer’s Society.
The charity’s community fundraiser Amy de Ville recently visited The Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa to say thank you for their support over recent few years which has seen members raise over £3,000.
The club has served the local community for almost 100 years and has supported various fundraising and awareness raising initiatives for many charities which has included highlighting the plight of people living with dementia.
The club’s theme is ‘Service before Self’ and their members have really striven to be of service to people living with dementia locally in recent years.
Club spokesman David Greenwood said: “Since 2018 the club has striven to support the lives of older people locally since sadly our members have become increasingly aware of the scale and devastation caused by this disease.
“As a result, my friend, John Daly, one of the society’s more experienced volunteers and a Dementia Friends Ambassador, was invited to give a talk on dementia to our members.
“This was the spark that inspired us to start supporting Alzheimer’s Society. His dementia talk was so moving that a club member spontaneously revealed that he had just been diagnosed with the condition, which was incredibly brave. John also took dementia awareness into some local schools prior to his untimely passing in 2022. His enthusiasm and commitment to the cause has been greatly missed by the club’s members.
“Inspired by John, the club then decided to actively support Alzheimer’s Society by making donations to support people who may be affected by dementia. Prior to lockdown, the club also participated in Alzheimer’s Society’s Memory Walk in Leamington with many members participating, stewarding and raising considerable funds.”
And the club’s popular Cars in the Spa returned to Leamington’s Pump Room Gardens with Alzheimer’s Society being one of two chosen beneficiaries.
Amy said: “It’s wonderful that The Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa has given its time and regular donations over this period to support Alzheimer’s Society. A third of us will develop dementia in our lifetimes, making it the biggest health and social care challenge we face.
“Alzheimer’s Society is a vital source of support and a powerful force for change for everyone affected by dementia. We want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever you are, whatever you’re going through, you can turn to them for expert support through practical advice, emotional support, and guidance for the best next step.
“There are over 8,900 people living with dementia in Warwickshire. But we simply can’t reach everyone without the continued support of incredible fundraisers like the lovely team at The Rotary Club of Royal Leamington Spa, who have done so much to support us since 2018.”
To get support or to find out more about fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society visit alzheimers.org.uk
