As a result of a members’ vote, the Telfordaires are pleased to announce that we will be supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK (Shropshire) for the coming year as our chosen charity.

Representing this very worthy cause is Katie Foster who came along to one of our rehearsals to introduce herself and tell us more about Alzheimer’s Research UK.

What is Alzheimer’s and how does it differ from dementia?

Dementia is a generic term used to describe a decline in mental abilities; Alzheimer’s is the most common diagnosis at around 65% of all dementia cases. It is a disease, initially identified by Dr Alzheimer in 1906 after being allowed to carry out a post-mortem on a woman who he’d noticed behaving very strangely. At this time, it was initially referred to as ‘pre-senile dementia’ but in 1921, a few years after his own death the condition was formerly referred to as Alzheimer’s Disease.

Why support Alzheimer’s Research UK?

Alzheimer’s Disease is now the leading cause of death in the UK, and a quick poll of members suggested that most of the Telfordaires had friends or family who live with the disease. Katie was inspired to support dementia research after her father, who had been a prisoner of war for five years after being captured in the defence of Dunkirk in 1940, died with Alzheimer’s disease.

How does Alzheimer’s Research UK (Shropshire) go about fundraising?

There are 14 main Shropshire branch members who raise awareness through posters, social media and various charity events and talks. Alzheimer’s Research UK is the leading research charity for Alzheimer’s in Europe. It is a voluntary organisation with limited funding currently coming from the Government.

They welcome partnerships with groups such as The Telfordaires, and previously our sister chorus @SevernHarmony. Katie points out that this is a clear link to music and singing as there is scientific evidence to suggest singing has a positive effect on those living with Alzheimer’s. An example she cited was of a man who had become mute for around two years (which can be a symptom of Alzheimer’s), but during a visit from a choir, stood up and began to join in with tunes he knew!

It is clear Katie is extremely passionate about her work and was deservedly awarded ‘ Volunteer Of The Year 2022’ for the charity in recognition of her fundraising and work to raise awareness of dementia.

The Telfordaires hope to do our bit in supporting this wonderful charity throughout the year ahead!

Katie Foster of Alzheimer’s Research flanked by
Telfordaires Simon Broad (Treasurer) and Dale Kynaston (MD).