Angie Wild, from Tameside, was inspired to work for Alzheimer's Society after losing two relatives to dementia.

She is urging everyone in the Greater Manchester area to join her in wearing a Forget Me Not badge during the month of May, in support of the Alzheimer's Society's appeal.

Angie’s Nan, Ester, and one of her aunts, Pat, both had dementia in the last years of their lives. Her other Auntie Edith is also currently living with dementia and is a resident of a local care home.

As well as organizing a fundraising event ‘Music, Memories and Mocktails’ at Bower Fold in Stalybridge on 15 May, Angie has demonstrated her support for people with dementia in a more permanent way, by having a forget me not flower tattooed on her arm!

“I captured a lovely picture of my Mum and Auntie holding hands while they were reminiscing about the good old days, when they were little girls, and it inspired me to do something to remember our family bonds. I think my new tattoo is stunning and a great way to start up conversations with people about dementia.’

‘I am also supporting the Forget Me not Appeal bucket collections at my local Morrison’s Store in Dukinfield Tameside, and have signed up and pledged to sell 100 badges.  Dementia is so very close to my heart and it’s a honour to do everything I can to support the Forget Me Not Appeal.”

The Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal, running throughout May, aims to not only raise vital funds for the charity, but to send a message to everyone affected by dementia that they have not been forgotten.

Grace Burke, Alzheimer’s Society’s Community Fundraiser in Greater Manchester, said: “There are 4,200 people living with dementia in the Greater Manchester area and too many are facing it alone. This May, Alzheimer’s Society is asking people to wear a Forget Me Not badge, in honour of someone special and to help people living with dementia get the life-changing support they need.

“By wearing a badge and supporting Alzheimer’s Society’s Forget Me Not Appeal, we’re showing people affected by dementia that we understand and stand with them.’

“Alzheimer’s Society’s services are a lifeline and have been used over four and half million times in the last year. We support people living with dementia and their families through some of the hardest and most frightening times.”

There are a variety of ways to get involved:

• Buy and wear a Forget Me Not Badge 
• Sign up for a collection at https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/form/collect-forget-me-not 
• Become a Dementia Friend and learn how to help people living with dementia in your community
• Leave a message on the Azheimer's Society's dedication page in honour of a loved one. Or share your memories on your own social media feeds using the hashtag #ForgetMeNotAppeal 

As well as fundraising during the month, Alzheimer’s Society will also lead Dementia Action Week from 15-21 May, when it will focus on diagnosis and encourage people experiencing dementia symptoms to seek help.

To find out more and to get involved in the Alzheimer’s Society Forget Me Not Appeal, visit alzheimers.org.uk/forgetmenot

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