Member Article

Pattonair Autumn ball raises thousands for Dementia UK

Leading Derby company Pattonair raised more than £57,000 towards a dementia charity’s efforts to provide its first dementia specialist nurse in the county.

The lavish black-tie event was the third year the Derby-based company has organised a charity fundraiser. Held at The Roundhouse in Derby and attended by 320 people, the evening raised a total of £57,112 for Dementia UK – the provider of dementia specialist support through its Admiral Nurses.

When things get challenging or difficult, Admiral Nurses work alongside people with dementia, their families and carers: giving them one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions they need to face dementia with more confidence and less fear

Pattonair, the global aerospace and defence industry expert, has backed the charity’s plans to extend the service into Derbyshire.

The money raised will now support an Admiral Nurse in the community – a result that Pattonair Chief Executive Wayne Hollinshead said he was delighted with.

“Dementia UK was selected as it resonated with many members of our staff,” he said.

“Having further understood the importance of employing an Admiral Nurse in Derbyshire, it became our aim to raise enough funds to make this happen.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generous support and donations received from the evening as, without them, we wouldn’t be able to make such a difference.”

The event was attended by guests from regional businesses and Pattonair partners. They enjoyed a luxury three course dinner, games and auctions, followed by entertainment from award-winning band ‘Ministry of Soul’. The live auction was hosted by TV antiques personality Charles Hanson.

There are 850,000 people with dementia in the UK and that figure is sadly expected to rise to over one million by 2025.

Dementia UK provides 277 Admiral Nurses working across the UK in communities, hospices, care homes, acute settings as well as on its Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline – the only nurse-led helpline in the country for people with any questions around dementia..

Guest speakers at the ball included Dementia UK’s chief executive and Chief Admiral Nurse, Dr Hilda Hayo.

“We couldn’t be more grateful to Pattonair and guests for raising funds for an Admiral Nurse in the region,” she said.

“Dementia can be very hard for families, changing the behaviour of the person with the diagnosis, and putting profound pressure on those who love them.

“That’s why our Admiral Nurses work alongside families to support them through the most difficult times.

“The support of Pattonair is invaluable to Dementia UK as it will enable us to provide Admiral Nurses to the families that need this help the most – we are very grateful for these donations.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Katie Ford .