M&S SIMPLY Food Ilkley has raised almost £500 for dementia friends in a charity bag pack during Dementia Action Week 2018.

On Friday, May 25 store staff were joined by Ilkley MP John Grogan and volunteers from Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action to raise money for the good cause.

John Grogan, MP for Ilkley, said: “Thousands of events took place all over the country last week as part of Dementia Action Week organised by the Alzheimer’s Society. I enjoyed joining the bag pack at Marks and Spencer and meeting the local group of dementia friends in Ilkley who are doing such a good job of highlighting these issues.

“Already nearly 30 organisations and businesses have attained Dementia Friendly status in the town, including M&S. Two-thirds of people with dementia live in their own homes in the community but less than half say that they feel part of their community. People with dementia sometimes just need a helping hand to go about their daily lives and feel included.”

Chris Farren, M&S Ilkley store manager, said: “Dementia is a cruel disease that touches a number of our customers and colleagues. Some live with a diagnosis while others are primary carers for loved ones suffering with dementia. Creating an environment and culture in store that is supportive of customers suffering with the disease is important to us. Working with the fantastic team at Dementia Friendly was insightful and rewarding - it is fantastic to have raised much needed funds for the charity.”

Alice Wild, events volunteer for Dementia Friendly Ilkley Action, added: “We are delighted to have had the support of M&S for Dementia Action Week in Ilkley. We had some great events taking place across the town this year, including the in store bag pack. The involvement of MP John Grogan shows how important the issue of dementia is to this community.”