Stars back art for Alzheimer’s

Published 13 November 2007

Local art lovers will be able to get their hands on celebrity and professional artwork in a unique fundraising initiative, Art for Alzheimer’s Sake at Gloucester Cathedral, 20 –25 October.

The event is supported by the star power of top astrologer Russell Grant, through his charity WISE Communities.

Russell's mother, actor Tony Robinson, Antiques Roadshow stars David Battie and John Bly as well as ITV 1's Heartbeat stars Derek Fowlds and Peter Benson have all donated artwork to the exhibition, which also will include work from people with dementia, carers and members of the general public.

The artwork will focus on 'Memories' and will be displayed in Gloucester Cathedral in October, when people will have the chance to pledge a donation to secure the artwork of their choice. The money raised will support a new Art Group for people with dementia and their carers in Gloucester.

Russell, an Alzheimer's Society ambassador, cared for his grandmother who had dementia and understands the important benefits art can bring to people with dementia. He says,

'Alzheimer's, and any form of dementia, is a cruel, critical illness that knows no boundaries. It affects not only the person diagnosed, but everyone in a family and their friends who battle on to care for them. Dementia isn't just about memory loss; it robs people of their lives, spirit and identity.

'That's why I'm an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society. When I heard about this unique and novel therapeutic initiative to bring together and help all those dealing with dementia in Gloucester, I wanted to do what I could to help. A healthy mind is as important as a healthy body and using the brain can have such a positive effect on carer and person with dementia alike.'

Russell has gone one step further to support this local group by donating a percentage of the proceeds from the sale of his new book 'Russell Grant's Gloucester - A Historical Guide' to the Gloucester and District branch of the Alzheimer's Society.

Jayne Payne, organiser of the fundraiser for the Gloucester and District branch of the Alzheimer's Society says,

'It is fantastic that Russell is backing this local event which will make a real difference to the lives of people affected by dementia and how appropriate that his book is about Gloucester. It's not too late to play your part in Art for Alzheimer's Sake. Simply paint or draw your favourite memory, your work will be hung in Gloucester Cathedral, and will help to raise thousands of pounds for the Alzheimer's Society.'

Send your memory artwork together with an entry form by July 30th to:

Jayne Payne,
Gloucester and District Branch of the Alzheimer's Society
North Wing, Agriculture House,
Greville Close, Sandhurst Lane
Gloucester
GL2 9RG

For entry forms telephone: 01452 760909
or email: cowles.13@virgin.net

To purchase a charity copy of 'Russell Grant's Gloucester - A Historical Guide' and raise funds for the Gloucester and District branch of the Society go to http://www.russellgrant.com/ and look for the special link (Russell Grant books). You can have your book signed personally to whomever you want for a birthday, Christmas or gift for £1 extra in aid of the Society.

Notes to Editors

1 in 3 older people will end their lives with a form of dementia.
700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have 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 by 2051.
1 in 5 people over 80 have dementia.
The Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. The Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
As a charity, the Alzheimer's Society depends on the generosity of the public to help it care, research and campaign for people with dementia. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.
The Alzheimer's Society Dementia Helpline number is 0845 300 0336 or visit http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/
There are 7-8000 people with dementia in Gloucestershire
The Gloucester and District branch of the Alzheimer's Society provides vital information, advice, practical support, carers' brefriending schemes and monthly support group meetings for people with dementia, carers and former carers.