Member Article

Dementia UK selected as chosen charity for Pattonair annual ball

Organisers of a charity ball are hoping to raise thousands of pounds to fund a vital lifeline which will help families and carers of people living with dementia in Derbyshire.

Major Derby employer Pattonair hopes its annual Autumn Ball will raise enough money to help support the first Dementia UK Admiral Nurse for the region.

Pattonair’s third black-tie ball will be at The Roundhouse at Pride Park on Friday, October 4. Proceeds from ticket sales – which can be purchased here – and an auction will go to the cause. Admiral Nurses are a one-to-one support for families of those living with dementia, providing expert help and guidance. They provide support in a number of settings including in families’ own homes care homes, hospitals, hospices as well as on the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – the only nurse-led dementia helpline in the country.

Dementia UK has been working to increase the number of Admiral Nurses across the UK and is now being backed by Pattonair, the global aerospace and defence industry supply chain service provider.

Each year, Pattonair chooses a charity to benefit from the ball and Dementia UK was one which resonated with many, including marketing assistant Billie Airey, 21, from Derby.

“My Grandma was diagnosed with dementia four years ago after deteriorating health over a number of years and moved into a fantastic home specialising in dementia care last summer,” she said.

“It has been very tough for all my family to watch a loved one slowly lose recognition of the places and people she has always known and loved.

“However, we are extremely comforted to see the increased awareness of dementia and support available for families and carers of people living with dementia which is something Dementia UK really focus on through their Admiral Nurse service.

“I am very glad Pattonair has chosen this charity for our ball and I am confident that all the generous donations and funds raised will benefit so many people.”

Open to everyone, guests will be treated to a glamorous affair with reception drinks in the venue’s Carriage Shop Library and a three-course dinner with wine included in the price of a ticket. They will also be entertained by award-winning party band Ministry of Soul.

Pattonair’s CEO Wayne Hollinshead has been behind the event since its inauguration in 2017.
“We’re proud to have our headquarters in Derby, where we employ 600 people and want to show support for the community,” he said. “We are always keen to support charities that have a direct impact on the region.”

Dementia UK operates across the country but there are still many families without access to an Admiral Nurse.. The funds raised by Pattonair’s Autumn Ball will help to increase support for local families and carers.

“I want to encourage as many people as possible to purchase tickets for the event because every penny raised will make a difference. It’s an evening enjoyed by all, raising funds for a really good cause.”

The 2017 event raised £43,000 for Childline, followed by nearly £54,000 the following year for The British Heart Foundation.

There are 850,000 people with Dementia in the UK and that figure is sadly expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025, making Dementia UK’s work vital.

Dementia UK’s Chief Executive and Chief Admiral Nurse DR Hilda Hayo, will be shedding more light on the charity’s work and sharing heartwarming stories from Admiral Nurses at the event.

In light of the upcoming ball she said:

“Dementia can be very hard for families, changing the behaviour of the person with the diagnosis, and putting profound pressure on those who love them. That’s why our Admiral Nurses work alongside families to support them through the most difficult times. The support of Pattonair is invaluable to Dementia UK as it will enable us to provide more Admiral Nurses to the families that need this help the most – we are very grateful.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Ford .