World Alzheimer’s Day commemorated with Evensong Service and Balloon Release at Guildford Cathedral
Published 2 October 2009
Alzheimer's Society branches in Surrey were delighted to welcome Hannah Gordon, the Countess of Onslow President of Alzheimer's Research Trust.
Dr Graham Stokes eminent leader in the field of dementia care together with local dignitaries, people with dementia, their carers and extended families and staff members were also invited to the annual Service of Remembrance and Choral Evensong held at Guildford Cathedral on Tuesday 22nd September 2009. 1400 balloons were released in memory of loved ones affected by dementia and representing 10% of the estimated numbers of people presently living in Surrey with dementia.
Chris Wyatt Area Manager South East commented that "it was a lovely occasion which helped to highlight the plight of increasing numbers of people affected by dementia who live in Surrey."
It is estimated that 13,227 people have dementia in Surrey and 700, 000 people in the UK have a form of dementia - more than half of those with Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people nationwide and over 17,000 in Surrey by 2021
