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

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Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk