Special wedding day gift for dementia charity Lost Chord
NEWLY weds Andy and Judith Howden wanted just one special gift on their big day…and it wasn’t for them.
Instead of the usual wedding presents, the happy couple asked that their guests should make donations to leading dementia charity Lost Chord.
And that act of generosity meant a final donation of £1,300 for the organisation that provides vital interactive musical experiences for people live with dementia in care homes and day centres across the region.
“We wanted to do this because my dad Jack, who lives with us, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease four years ago,” said Andy, who lives in Wheatley, Doncaster, and has retired from work to become his father’s full time carer.
“He has got so much out of attending Lost Chord events because he has always enjoyed music ever since he was a young boy growing up in Sheffield and singing in the choir at St Marie’s Church.
“Before he started attending Lost Chord events he had never really been on the dance floor but now you can’t keep him off it – he loves every second of it.
“It’s a very important part of his life and when he comes home he will talk about it.”
Lost Chord Chief Executive Helena Muller commented: “Jack’s story is so typical of the many we hear after every event we present.
“Music has such an important part to play in the lives of people living with dementia as it seems to unlock the door to memories and important channels of communication.
“The work we do, however, only continues because of the incredible generosity of people like Andy and Judith who, even on their very special day, remembered the work of Lost Chord.
“I thank them and their guests for their great generosity – their donation will make an enormous difference to the lives of people living with dementia in South Yorkshire.”
