Harrogate plans second Denim for Dementia day

They're hoping to raise more money than they did earlier this year

Author: Natalie Higgins and May NormanPublished 11th Nov 2020
Last updated 11th Nov 2020

After it's success earlier this year, Harrogate residents are being encouraged to take part in another special denim day for the Alzheimer's Society.

Over £12,000 was raised on Friday 24 January after each person who took part wore the item of clothing and donated to the charity.

Organisers are hoping to top this year's event when they hold it again on Friday 30 April 2021.

There will also be a 'Best Dressed' competition which will be judged by us at Greatest Hits Radio Harrogate and Yorkshire Dales.

'Harrogate Does Denim for Dementia' has been organised by Anna McIntee - an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society - who's mum is currently suffering from dementia.

Anna McIntee said:

"We all know how difficult this year has been and the pandemic has really shone a light on how awful this disease can be. It's still the number one cause of death in people in the UK.

"The last few months have proven how important it is to raise awareness of dementia and the money we raise will get us one step closure to finding a cure."

Anna and her youngest daughter, Rose, in their denim

Anna was unable to visit her mum, Margaret, in her care home earlier this year because of the pandemic.

But thanks to our broadcast, and help from local MP Andrew Jones, the care home where Margaret is staying allowed Anna and her family to have window visits.

Anna told us back in October:

"We were worried that because we hadn't seen her in so long, she might not even remember who we are.

"We'd done the FaceTime and video calls but that's just not the same as being able to see her in person. She just struggles to understand what's going on when we speak on the phone.

"When we finally got to see her face when she saw us was just incredible. I knew then she remembered us."

10 schools and 25 businesses across Harrogate signed up for the event in January - uniting in the fight against dementia by ditching their uniforms and workwear for one day and donning their denim.

With someone in the UK developing the disease every three minutes, dementia is set to be the 21st century's biggest killer.

For more information, please contact Anna on anna.mcintee@alzheimers.org.uk or 07813813440.