FUNDRAISERS inspired by three friends suffering from dementia have raised £2,000 in a memorable nostalgic event.

Weymouth singing legend Jumpin’ Jimmy Thunder made a rare appearance at the event at Wyke Regis Working Men’s Club.

The aim was to raise money for the Chalbury Unit at Weymouth Community Hospital and charity Dementia UK.

The three sufferers are all ex-footballers – former Portland United manager Barry Lawley and ex-Terras heroes Peter Kearns and Johnny Hannigan.

Organiser Fred Hawkins, 66 from Weymouth, said the night was ‘packed to the rafters’.

He said: “We’ve raised around £2,000 and have made a cheque presentation to the hospital.

“Dementia UK is a charity that does not have a high profile, so we wanted to raise awareness of the illness.

“Jumpin’ Jimmy Thunder was a legend in Weymouth and Portland back in the 1970s and 80s, and would pack out any club or pub.”

Donna Marquis, 40 and daughter of Barry Lawley, said the money raised has bought a karaoke machine and a printer for the Chalbury Unit – £300 has also gone to a care home in Sturminster Newton where Peter Kearns has been transferred.

She added: “The Lawley, Kearns and Hannigan families would like to say a huge thank you to Fred for all his hard work, and to the Chalbury Unit nurses for their absolutely amazing work on a daily basis.”

Jimmy said: “I’ve known Barry since the 1960s when I worked at Webb Major. It’s heartbreaking to see this happening to such good guys.”

Amy Cudmore, community fundraiser for Dementia UK, said the money Mr Hawkins had raised would also go towards providing specialist dementia nurses, called Admiral Nurses, who help families affected by this heartbreaking condition.

She added: “We couldn’t provide this vital service without the help of incredible supporters like him.”

 

The term dementia describes a set of symptoms that include loss of memory, mood changes, and problems with communication and reasoning.

There are many types of dementia. The most common are Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Dementia is progressive, which means the symptoms will gradually get worse.

Dementia UK is a national charity, committed to improving quality of life for all people affected by dementia.

It provides mental health nurses specialising in dementia care, called Admiral Nurses.

Admiral Nurses are a lifeline to thousands of people in this country.