Alzheimer's Society proudly hosting first ever Welsh Male Voice Choir performance at Canterbury Cathedral

This special event will be the grand finale to a year of celebrations marking the Society's 25th anniversary.

GMTV presenter and Alzheimer's Society supporter, Fiona Phillips, will be attending the cathedral concert. She says:

'I grew up in Canterbury so I'm really looking forward to making this return visit for such a special occasion. The 25th anniversary has been extremely significant for everyone involved with the Alzheimer's Society and it's been with great pleasure that I've given my support to a wonderful variety of celebratory events.

'My mother has Alzheimer's. I know how painful it is to watch someone you love battle with this cruel disease. So I'm urging as many people as possible to buy tickets for what promises to be an amazing evening and join me in supporting the vital work carried out by the Society as it continues to provide much needed help and support to carers and people with dementia across the country.'

The noted tenor Rhys Meirion will be taking centre stage with Welsh Male Voice Choir for this special event. Rhys made his Glyndebourne debut as Edmondo in Manon Lescaut in 1999, the same year he joined the English National Opera as a company principle.

Proceeds from the concert will go to local branches of the Alzheimer's Society in Canterbury and Ashford. The branches provide vital information and one-to-one support to carers and people with dementia. Monthly support groups in Thanet and Canterbury also give people the opportunity to exchange experiences and access information in a friendly and sympathetic environment.

Details of all local activities are available by calling the Canterbury and district telephone helpline on 01227 730 000.

The Welsh Male Voice Choir was founded in 1802 by English based Welsh exiles. Today's 120 strong Choir continues to enthral audiences around the country and regularly tours more exotic climes. The choir's prestigious reputation is crystallised in leading the bi-annual 1000 voices festival at the Royal Albert Hall and in entertaining fans at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, Wembley Stadium and Lords cricket ground.

Notes for editors:

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers and celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2004.
• The Canterbury and District Branch offers vital information and support to carers and to people with dementia, acting as the link helping people with local knowledge and one to one support in the area. Details of all our local activities are available through the branch helpline, 01227 730000.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336
• Our website address is: www.alzheimers.org.uk