St Sampson’s High concert for dementia charity makes £1,400

Last month’s charity concert at the school featuring performances from State of Harmony Choir, Stage Sound, St Sampson’s High School Choir, and some soloists, put on in aid of Dementia Friendly Guernsey was the toast of the community as it raised £1,400.

Event organiser and St Sampson’s head girl Jodie Mechem said she was astounded to hear how much the concert had raised.

‘We thought we’d only raise £600, so to have raised over a thousand, I’m flabbergasted,’ she said.

‘My gran was diagnosed a few months ago with early stage vascular dementia, so I really wanted to do something to raise awareness of it and support a cause that would help people like my gran affected by this disease.

‘She even came to the concert, which was lovely and she loved it, especially with the closer Que Sera Sera, as it’s one of her favourites.’

There were over a hundred performers at October’s concert, with an audience of over 250 people, many of those affected by dementia themselves.

Dave Bradshaw, part of State of Harmony Choir, who performed on the night said there was not a dry eye in the house.

‘We all had a great time on the night,’ he said.

‘A number of people with dementia came, and really, music for people with dementia is one of the last things they remember.

‘The students’ reaction was brilliant too, they did an amazing thing.’

DFG aims to raise awareness of dementia in the community and to find ways to improve the quality of life for those who live in Guernsey or those who visit in the island and have dementia.

Funds raised will go towards a number of initiatives including awareness lessons and events for members, including tea parties and trips to Herm.

DFG’s co-ordinator Julie Bulpitt said they were thankful to all those involved and who attended the concert raising the money for the charity.

‘It’s absolutely fantastic to see somebody like Jodie put this event on to raise awareness of the disease,’ she said.

‘The money raised will go far, helping to create positive memories for people with dementia, we’re blown away by it really.’