A group dedicated to raising awareness of dementia has received a cash boost.

Brit Valley Rotary Club has shown its support for Dementia Friendly Bridport, who are working towards raising awareness and understanding of dementia and its effects, as well as creating more social opportunities for those living with the condition.

When Lindsey Luxton became President of Brit Valley Rotary Club in July 2019 she pledged that they would raise a thousand pounds for each of her two charities, Dementia Friendly Bridport and the Purple Community Fund, during her year.

However, the club has reached its target for Dementia Friendly Bridport in just five months, and at their last meeting handed over a cheque for £1,103 to volunteers Debra Bates and Carole Emmerson.

Mrs Bates, chair of the group said: “We are extremely grateful to Brit Valley Rotary Club for choosing our local group to be one of their causes this year.

“Because of this incredible donation it means we can run our very successful exercise class for people living with dementia for the foreseeable future.

"The difference this class has made is fantastic and shows that with such goodwill from the people of Bridport, our group can pursue even more opportunities to give people with dementia the activities they need and should be getting.”

Mrs Bates explained to a large group of club members and their partners about the group's work and experience of people living with dementia in Bridport, whilst Carole Emmerson, a group member, gave a moving talk about her own experience of being a carer and the many challenges she has faced.

Mrs Bates added: “We feel it is important to be honest and clear about the difficulties, but also show the amazing difference that can be made by giving people with dementia a voice, and by making real changes. Brit Valley Rotary Club has helped us do that.”

Anyone who would like to know more about the work of Dementia Friendly Bridport or volunteer can contact Debra Bates on 07890 649561 or e-mail dementiafriendlybridport@gmail.com.

Brit Valley raised over £3700 for local good causes over Christmas and now hope to complete their promise to The Purple Community Fund, who help the poorest families living in shanties on the waste dumps in the Phillipines, to raise £1000 for them. The next event for this cause is a Quiz at the George West Bay on Friday, February 28.