A PARISH council chairman has named the charity he wishes to support throughout 2017.

Joe Tray, of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, has named the Alzheimer’s Society as his chairman’s charity of the year.

Last year Joe chose to back children’s leukaemia charity CALM, which helps families who have a child suffering with the disease. CALM has supported Joe’s family in the past and he was thrilled that the parish council had managed to raise more than £1,200 last year.

This year the parish council is delighted to be supporting an equally important charity which serves the local community and helps those affected by dementia all over the UK.

Joe said: “I have chosen Alzheimer’s Society this year because the disease is prevalent in today’s society.

“I want us to help raise funds for the charity that will use every pound donated to provide care to people with dementia, in their own home, or provide the much needed respite for their families and a chance to recharge their batteries.”

Statistics show that dementia now affects around 850,000 people just in the UK, and it is not just the older generation who experience its effects. It is thought around 400,000 under 65’s have what is known as ‘early on set dementia’.

Laura Hewitt, community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We’re very grateful to the chairman of the Stratton St Margaret Parish Council for choosing Alzheimer’s Society as this year’s charity.

“Dementia is set to become the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, which is why Alzheimer’s Society is calling on people to come together to urgently find a cure, improve care, and offer help and understanding.

“It is only with the generous support of groups and organisations like Stratton St Margaret Parish Council that we can continue to create lasting change for people affected by dementia.”

The first fundraising event will take place on June, 15 when the council, whose offices are based at Grange Leisure, will be taking part in the Alzheimer’s Society’s National Cup Cake Day.

Cakes will be baked by members of staff and chefs from the leisure centre, which will be open from 8.30am. Special offers will also be available on a range of hot and cold drinks.