Flashmob choir sing their hearts out for a dementia friendly Christmas

The singers are supporting Alzheimer's Society, Alzheimer Scotland and Tesco to raise awareness of dementia during the festive season and help people have a dementia friendly Christmas. From today, people are being encouraged to sign up for an online advent calendar that carries daily tips and advice for enjoying the festive season from celebrities, dementia support workers and others living with dementia - from boosting the senses with some time outdoors, to making Christmas more manageable.

The 30-strong ladies barbershop chorus  stunned Tesco customers when they broke into a capella harmony with the old classic 'Jingle Bells' in the middle of the busy supermarket.

Andrew Brown, Tesco store manager said:

"The flashmob took both our staff and customers by complete surprise, creating a wonderfully Christmassy atmosphere to kick-start the festive season. Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are our charity of the year and as a store we've been doing lots to fund raise for them this year, so we're delighted to be hosting this fantastic event for such a worthwhile cause."

Many relatives first notice memory problems when they visit family members over Christmas. In fact, Alzheimer's Society had a forty-three per cent increase in calls to the helpline in January from family members worried about a loved one.

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive, Alzheimer's Society says:

"This flashmob was a chance to entertain people and have a bit of Christmas fun, but we have a serious message to share too. If you haven't seen a relative for a while, you might be more aware of changes in their behaviour. If you do become concerned about a loved one's memory then get in touch with a dementia helpline and sign up for our advent calendar with daily tips and advice for a dementia friendly Christmas."

The online advent also has three opportunities to win £200 of Tesco vouchers so you can get your festive shop for free this Christmas. Sign up for the calendar at www.alzheimers-tesco.org.uk

The flashmob was three months in the planning, with only Tesco store manager Andrew Brown, Crystal Chords Musical Director Monica Funnell, and a couple of support staff from the Alzheimer's Society and Tesco partnership teams in the know. The choir visited the shop individually when doing their weekly shops to plan the logistics and practised the song in secrecy at their regular venue.

Together, Alzheimer's Society and Alzheimer Scotland are Tesco Charity of the Year and hope to raise £5 million to help build a better future for people with dementia. The partnership is funding new research, dementia support professionals to help those living with the condition, and a Dementia Community Roadshow that is travelling around the UK raising awareness of dementia and encouraging people worried about their memory to visit their GPs.