The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Woman launches event to honour grandfather
It’s one of the cruellest features of dementia: the fashion in which precious memories are so often stolen away.
And now, an Argyll woman is organising a special event in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK following the death of her grandfather.
Elinor Dodgson is committed to raising money for dementia research after her grandfather, George, was diagnosed with the condition in 2013.
She has worked hard to organise Memory Fest – and hopes it will be a successful night of live music from the 70s, 80s and glam rock era.
The event will be held on Friday, October 28, at The Wide Mouthed Frog in Dunstaffnage Marina, Oban.
Miss Dodgson, who is originally from Leeds, works at Taychreggan Hotel near Oban as a general assistant.
Memory Fest will include a live set from Glasgow-based singer, Simply Mo, and other artists. There will also be a quiz, karaoke, a disco and free food on offer for ticket holders.
Fancy dress is welcomed and a prize of a night’s accommodation, free meal and wine from The Wide-Mouthed Frog will be awarded to the best costume.
The 20-year-old first started fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK in July. She began a project called “A Challenge to Remember” where people could nominate tasks for her to undertake in exchange for donations to the charity.
Her parents, Stephen and Cathy, organised an event in May called Memory Fest in Kirkintilloch. The night of live classic rock music raised nearly £2,000 for dementia charities.
The family was inspired to pledge themselves to mustering charity funds after watching George, who had a combination of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia. He died at the age of 84.
Miss Dodgson said: “My grandad had always been a happy and relaxed man. He used to love travelling, playing golf and doing DIY.
“But when he developed dementia, everything changed. He had no energy and was unable to care for himself, meaning he could no longer live at home.”
Originally from Colne in Lancashire, her grandfather spent most of his life in Newcastle working as a tooling and operations manager. He married his wife Shirley in 1955 and they had four children together.
Miss Dodgson added: “His diagnosis was devastating for the family, especially my gran. They had been married for over six decades and her life was turned upside down. But she is a very strong woman and I am very proud of her.
“This experience has shown me just how many people are affected by dementia – and not only the people who are diagnosed with it, but also their family and friends.
“Anything that can help people with dementia or can even find a cure is very important to my family and me.”
Alzheimer’s Research UK is the country’s leading dementia research charity, powering studies into prevention, diagnosis and effective treatments for all forms of the illness.
The charity’s research network brings together more than 1,000 specialist dementia researchers who are working to beat the condition. Tickets for Memory Fest, priced at £10 each, can be purchased in the Wide-Mouthed Frog, or by contacting them on 01631 567005.