Memory Fest - Cornwall was due to happen in Penzance on 16 May 2020 - however due to COVID-19 this had to be cancelled/postponed!

We hope you will follow our news over the coming weeks and be able to support and attend, from the comfort of your own homes, this fantastic event with your family and friends (virtually of course!)!

So, what's our story so far? Well, in January 2016, MemoryFest was born as a result of our personal experiences with this terrible condition. My parents were fighting with this, with mum looking after my dad who had been diagnosed with early onset Mixed Dementia - Alzheimer’s / Vascular on 20 March 2013 after having an assessment and brain scan.

Their lives had changed dramatically and until you are affected by this condition it is difficult to really understand just how much upset it does cause.

Cathy, of course, works with dementia clients on a daily basis, and has had first-hand experience of how it not only affects the client but also their family.

Our first event, was in May 2016, a Classic Rock live concert, which took place in Club Bliss, Kirkintilloch, just outside Glasgow, Scotland. This gig raised an amazing figure with monies being split between Alzheimer Scotland and Dementia UK.

Sadly, during the summer of 2016 my dad’s condition deteriorated very rapidly and he passed away on 12 September. However, this didn’t meant that we gave up our aim of raising awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia and in the process, more funds for some of the organisations that work in this area.

In October 2016 our second MemoryFest event took place in Oban, Scotland, in conjunction with Elinor’s “Challenge to Remember” project. This time, however the theme was Glam Rock with Fancy Dress and the monies raised went to Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The third event, MemoryFest ‘17 was back in Club Bliss again with Classic Rock and took place in April 2017. The funds this time going solely to Alzheimer Scotland.

In total we have raised just over £4,100 so far ...

Due to some health issues of my own during the back end of 2017 and early 2018, resulting in a relocation to Cornwall at the end of 2018, we have had a gap of a couple of years but we are coming back!

Stephen & Cathy Dodgson