A singer who has raised thousands for charities over 40 years is hoping to raise thousands more for dementia research.
And Norman Mellor is now looking for volunteers to start a Huddersfield committee which will raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK.
Mr Mellor, the former chairman of Honley Male Voice Choir, has raised money for Yorkshire Cancer Research and children’s charities through concerts at Huddersfield Town Hall and venues across Holme Valley.
But having seen friends succumb to Alzheimer’s and other forms dementia, Mr Mellor has decided to raise cash for research into the condition.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 35.6m people have dementia and there are 7.7m new cases every year.
Despite its prevalence – WHO has declared it a ‘public health priority’ – funding for research and care in the UK remains relatively low compared, for example, to cancer.
Mr Mellor, 76, of Meltham, said: “It’s very hard to see people with that; it’s a terrible affliction. It’s difficult to see people fade away.
“I know quite a few people with dementia. It’s very common but there’s very little money given by the Government towards it.”
Mr Mellor added: “You don’t have to have any experience in fundraising; I’d just like to get something together.”
If you’d like to help Mr Mellor call: 01484 851060 or email: mellor.norman@gmail.com.
Dementia Facts
Dementia is an umbrella term for a series of conditions which cause memory loss and problems with thinking, talking and solving problems.
Alzheimer’s is the most common form accounting for approximately two-thirds of cases.
Other forms include vascular dementia – caused by a stroke – and fronto-temporal dementia which affects personality and behaviour.
Dementia is one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people worldwide.
It is a progressive condition. At an early stage, symptoms include forgetfulness and losing track of time. In later stages, a patient may be unable to recognise relatives and friends and become totally dependent.
For more about dementia visit: www.alzheimersresearchuk.org .
