Brian, Owain, David, Pat, Michael, Carolyn & Lynn at the Salón in Fuengirola
Credit: EWN
Monday, June 23 saw a gathering at the Salón Varietés in Fuengirola for the handover of a cheque to the Alzheimer’s Dementia Support Group (ADSG) for €5,319.
This was the amount raised through ticket and raffle sales at the Salón Varietés Singing for Alzheimer’s night on May 31 with Brian Piccolo and friends. This wasn’t the entire amount donated to ADSG. Then there were the generous donations made directly, as well as the takings from the raffle, some €1,800, to Brian Piccolo, bringing the total up to well over €6,000.
Pat Jay, the president of the charity was present to receive the cheque. Pat Jay explained that although the charity was registered only 18 months ago, it has been active for many years as a support group. It helps caregivers continue their caring. If the carers die, no one will care for the dementia sufferer. We give them time to get their hair cut or do whatever they want to relieve the stress of their 24 hour-a-day duties. Pat explained that we also hire professional carers to help out for a few hours each week, so they can take a break. “And we have support group meetings, the first Monday and third Monday every month. They all get together to talk about the week. We discuss difficult issues such as care homes.
“It’s a hidden toll that’s taken on full-time carers that is often forgotten”, Sarah Coombes of the Salón Varietés said with some personal experience of the situation.
On the Singing for Alzheimers night, well-known and loved Costa del Sol performers Toni-Leigha, Melissa Carver, Ricky Lavazza, Emma Luisa, Mark Connor, Mario Ross and Ron Howells, donated their time to perform at the Salón Varietés with Brian Piccolo, with all proceeds going to ASDG.
ADSG for more information www.adsgmijascostaspain.com, or email info@adsgmijascostaspain.