LOCAL people are being encouraged to wear a forget-me-not badge this June.
It’s part of the Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not Appeal, which is being supported by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Llewellin DL.
The small blue flower has long been associated with remembrance and dementia awareness, with funds raised helping support people living with dementia and their families.
The campaign comes ahead of Dementia Action Week, which takes place from May 18 to 24.
According to the Alzheimer’s Society, one in three people born in the UK today will develop dementia, which is also the country’s biggest cause of death.
People can support the appeal and purchase badges by visiting https://alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot
Among those backing the campaign is Angela Wild, from Tameside, who works for the Alzheimer’s Society and has seen first-hand the impact dementia has had on her own family.
“It’s a devastating disease that needs more awareness in our communities,” she said. “Support is vital when someone has been diagnosed. I have been supporting the Alzheimer’s Society through fundraising which is something I love doing.
“Over two years ago, I set up a wonderful Charity Crafters Group who meet twice a month at the beautiful Seraphina Centre. All the ladies who attend our group have been busy making lots of handmade gifts that are sold to raise vital funds.
“Not only do I support this fantastic charity but have had the absolute pleasure and honour of working for them as a Dementia Advisor for the past two-and-a-half years. My role within the charity is to support people when they have been diagnosed with dementia and their families. I am also a Dementia Friends Ambassador and deliver dementia friends sessions.
“I am personally encouraging people to continue to raise vital awareness and if possible help by buying the lovely forget-me-not badges. I will be out and about selling the badges to support the Forget Me Not Appeal.”
The Forget Me Not Appeal aims to raise awareness of dementia while helping fund support services, advice and research carried out by the Alzheimer’s Society.