The distressing effects of dementia are being highlighted by a Plymouth optician whose mother has developed the condition.
Matthew Rattenbury, an assistant manager and dispensing optician at the Specsavers Plymouth store, organised a special golf fundraiser with his family in tribute to his mother Wendy, who began showing signs of dementia two years ago, aged only 60.
The event was part of Dementia UK’s nationwide 36 Hole Challenge. More than 40 players turned out at Okehampton Golf Course and they raised more than£7,000 – making it Dementia UK’s leading event in the whole of England.
Matthew says: ‘It went fantastically well. To raise so much money for such a wonderful charity is fantastic. It was a long day but so worth it. Everyone really got behind the event.
‘It was a very emotional occasion, especially for my dad, but we’re all really pleased to have been able to donate such a large amount of money for Dementia UK and to raise awareness about this terrible condition.’
Matthew’s mother began showing symptoms of dementia a couple of years ago, and it progressed quickly.
He adds: ‘It’s not been a good two years. There have been a lot of changes. Dad couldn’t work and look after her, so she’s gone into a home. It’s been really tough for us all.
‘It’s hard to watch someone you care about be affected like this, and of course there are many thousands of families that are going through the same thing.’
In 2020, it was estimated that 3,514 people over the age of 65 were living with dementia in Plymouth. By 2040 it is projected that this number will have risen to 5,163.
To help boost the funds raised at the golf event, Specsavers Plymouth was among those that donated.
Matthew says: ‘Dementia is awful for the person who has it, as well as for their friends and family, so every penny raised really does count.
‘Dementia UK supported dad throughout the development of mum’s condition, so he wanted to give something back to them.
‘All the funds we’ve raised will go towards paying for the specialist help and advice for those who need it.
‘An £8 donation can cover the telephone costs of two families seeking support through Dementia UK’s free Helpline, and £33 could fund an hour with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, helping a family with practical solutions and emotional support.
‘No-one should have to face dementia alone, so all the support for our 36 Hole Challenge will be life-changing for many people.’
Anyone still wanting to donate to Matthew’s fundraiser can go online at https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/s/6900/6994/w
You can join us on our social media pages, follow us on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Threads where you can keep up to date with whats going on in South Devon.
Got a news story, blog or press release that you’d like to share or want to advertise with us? Get in touch via email admin@wearesouthdevon.com
