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**NEWS RELEASE** 

Residents of Rhyl urged to help power fight against dementia

Fundraisers in Rhyl have come together to form a new group to support Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

The group, formed by local residents Claire and Roger Burman, will be the first of its kind in North Wales and they are now seeking members from the area to help them in their mission to boost funds for vital dementia research.

Chairperson of the Alzheimer’s Research UK Rhyl Fundraising Group, Cathy Shipley, Care Co-ordinator from Richmond House Care Home in Rhyl, will lead a band of volunteers with a range of skills. The group’s aim is to raise vital funds and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

Claire Burman, the group’s secretary, was inspired to get involved after seeing a close family friend battle with dementia. She said:

“Alzheimer’s is such a cruel disease; it takes away the whole essence of the individual. Their character is stripped away long before their body. It doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed with dementia, but everyone who knows and cares for them. I’ve seen first-hand what this disease can do which is why I am delighted to support such a good cause.”

Alzheimer’s Research UK regional groups play a crucial part in the fight against dementia, which currently affects more than 1,500 people in Denbighshire alone. Members get involved in a variety of ways, getting stuck into fundraising for pioneering research, representing Alzheimer’s Research UK at events and spreading the word about the charity in their local community.

The group is always looking for new members and hope that people with similar experiences will join them in the fight to defeat the condition. The group has already started their fundraising by organising a series of tombola stalls over the summer, followed by a balloon release at Richmond House, with a quiz and other fundraising events following in the autumn and winter.

Alzheimer’s Research UK powers world class studies focusing on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia. There are 850,000 people living with the condition in the UK and this number is expected to rise to over 1 million by 2025.

Zoe Baggott, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said:

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Claire and Roger for setting up this group. We hope people across Rhyl and the surrounding area will come on board to help raise money for pioneering dementia research. The funds raised by the group will bring our scientists ever closer to finding improved forms of diagnosis, prevention and much-needed new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“There are over 43,500 people in Wales who are currently living with dementia. Research has the power to defeat the condition and Alzheimer’s Research UK is leading the charge. We rely on our supporters to be able to fund our research, and it’s thanks to the commitment of our regional groups that we’re able to continue our crucial work, driving the next breakthrough.”

Anyone wishing to get involved in the group, or donate tombola prizes, can contact them by emailing arukrhyl@gmail.com or call Zoe Baggott on 07469 852501. For further information about Alzheimer’s Research UK, or to find out more about fundraising for the charity, call 0300 111 5555 or visit www.alzheimersresearchuk.org

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Richmond House provides a much-needed local service in Denbighshire and has maintained high standards since opening in 2011. From the design of the building to the tasteful decoration, high quality training and staff, everything has been built, designed and tailored to maximize support, comfort and high quality of life for the residents who have chosen to reside at Richmond House. National TV programmes have also featured Richmond House on several occasions, as being a home Residents do actually choose for themselves because of the all-important high standard of care and Person Centered Practice.

Person Centered Care and dignity is evident through-out the home and instilled in the staff that are employed by Richmond House and all Residents are given choice at every opportunity. Essential living skills are encouraged such as preparing veg, folding linen and assisting with light cleaning or setting the tables. We have a large budget specifically for Activities and events both internal and external, in order to maintain Mental Health stimulation and well-being as well as independence. Staff are genuinely interested in the Residents and close bonds and affection are apparent in the way staff interact with the Residents. A good family atmosphere exudes from every corner of the home and staff work well as a team which has been tested on two or more occasions in the last few years. Management are well liked and respected and genuinely care about the staff that they employ, and they strive to provide the very best for the Residents. Excellent and trusting relationships have been built between Management, relatives/guardians and other outside agencies with whom an affiliation is held with, working in partnership to continue to provide the highest quality service. 

Richmond House continue to proudly hold the title Top 20 care Home in Wales award and work hard to uphold our promise to provide high quality care for the residents. 

 One resident when told stated ‘I’m onto a good thing being here’! Richmond House rely on the relatives past and present to leave their reviews and honest opinions and we endeavor to ensure that we are exactly as advertised; a ‘home from home’