Published on 21 May 2021
A dementia support worker at the QEQM has raised more than £1,500 for East Kent Hospitals Charity’s Dementia Appeal.
Gemma McNutt decided to hold a raffle to mark Dementia Action Week and secured dozens of donations from local businesses as prizes.
She sold tickets to her colleagues, and at the same time asked them to contribute a positive word about dementia to a mood board she created. The words will be turned into a graphic she hopes will be displayed in the hospital.
Gemma said: “I wanted to use Dementia Action Week to raise money and also awareness and this seemed like a great way to do both.
“I was overwhelmed by the generosity of our local businesses – many of them have had a very difficult year because of the pandemic but they were all very willing to donate.”
Gemma presented a certificate to each business to thank them for their support, and many displayed theirs in their window to mark Dementia Action Week.
She added: “I want to say a huge thank you to all the shops and businesses who gave prizes for the raffle, and to all my colleagues for their support.”
The winners were drawn on Friday by Dee Neligan, senior charity officer for East Kent Hospitals Charity, and the total raised was £1542.50.
Dee said: “Dementia Action Week is the perfect time to support our Dementia Appeal. Gemma has worked incredibly hard to raise this money and it will make a real difference to our patients living with dementia.
“It could help fund arts activity sessions, or provide specialist equipment such as memory boxes or wall coverings to help people feel more relaxed while they are in our hospitals.”
The following businesses donated prizes: Comfort Inn, Ramsgate; Eyecatchers hair and beauty; Little Beau Beauty; Hassan’s barbers; Comfort Inn The Salon; Hornby Hobbies; Goodwin’s in Westbrook; The Cow Shed in Birchington; Richard Trade Tyres and Repair; Hang Loose Bluewater; Palm Springs Hair and Beauty Cliftonville; The Eye Lash Club by Victoria; Jazzette’s Hair and Beauty Cliftonville; Christy Wine Bar Birchington; Bodilight Broadstairs; Blush Hair and Beauty Westgate; Burger King Westwood Cross; Secret Garden Florist, Kaspas Westwood Cross; Lush Canterbury; Watling Tyres Margate/Gravesend; TG Aviation; Tesco Westwood Cross; Lashes by Harley; St Augustine’s Golf Club; Replenish Beauty Westgate; Pegwell Bay Hotel; Simply Floral Cliftonville; Infinity Fitness Gym Margate; Avon hamper donated by Hayley Berry.
