7th April 2020

A member of Alzheimer's Support staff is delivering smiles as she collects medication and essential shopping in fancy dress – all to raise funds for the charity.

Louise Gover of Trowbridge is manager of Old Silk Works day club in Warminster. While the club is closed she is making calls to all the members so they can hear a friendly voice and to offer reassurance and advice.

She is also volunteering in the community, delivering shopping and essential medication. When Alzheimer’s Support launched an urgent appeal for funds to save its services she decided to do her bit by making deliveries in fancy dress.

She put out her own urgent appeal for costumes on social media and over the weekend did her deliveries as Lou the Leprechaun and a Banana in Pyjamas and, on Monday, a bottle of beer.

Creating smiles at a difficult time

She said: “It really isn’t much I’m doing, just trying to create some smiles and laughter at a time when there’s not much to laugh about. I figured while the club has been forced to close I will use my time helping where I can. I’m just doing a few shopping trips and pharmacy collections for people who are unable to get out. I thought if I did it in fancy dress I’d raise much needed funds for Alzheimer’s Support.

“I’ll be out each day in a different costume and thanks to all my friends who have donated the costumes.”  

Lou has raised £565 for the charity in the first three days - and £1,200 by the end of the week. 

Alzheimer’s Support is making over 800 phone calls a week to people living with dementia and family carers in Wiltshire, and running music, exercise and art groups via Zoom. The charity is appealing for funds to keep its services afloat and pay its fixed costs.

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