Ruth Langsford and Adele Silva launch Alzheimer's Society's Old Jewellery appeal 2011

People can donate unwanted or broken gold, silver or costume jewellery or watches which are then recycled. The appeal is set to raise a target of £240,000 this year, to help support people to live well with dementia today and fund research to find a cure for tomorrow.

Ruth supports the charity because her father, Dennis, has Alzheimer's disease. She has donated a silver necklace with purple and blue beads to the appeal. Ruth says,

'A few years ago my dad and I went shopping together and he helped me choose the necklace. It is special to me, but I find it hard to wear because the memories it evokes are poignant for me now. I am therefore glad to donate it to help other people affected by dementia.'

Adele, who recently returned to her role of Kelly Windsor in ITV's Emmerdale, has donated a silver Tiffany link bracelet with a heart charm which she bought on her first trip to New York with her mother in 2003. Adele says,

'I'm sure most women will have a piece of jewellery which they loved but no longer wear, or an odd earring or snapped necklace they could donate. My nan had dementia, so I know from personal experience the impact the condition can have on the whole family. By spring-cleaning your jewellery box, you can help Alzheimer's Society champion the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.'

Please visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/oldjewellery to request a Freepost bag in which to send your jewellery to the charity.