Exeter School Pupil Fundraises for Memory Café

An Exeter School pupil has been supporting the Honiton Memory Café in their efforts to fundraise and build awareness around dementia and Alzheimer's.

Sixth Former Richard Baker has been supporting the Honiton Memory Café because he enjoys helping others. He has attended some of the social events that the Memory Café runs for carers and their cared-for and is helping to publicise a charity art auction that is taking place at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery (THG) on Friday 25 April to raise funds.

Richard said: "It has been good to help the charity and to understand more about what people with dementia and their families live with. I am hoping to study medicine and this experience has helped me to think about a particular area of healthcare."

45 works of art have been donated for auction to raise funds for the Honiton Memory Café, Honiton Hospital League of Friends and THG Learning Programme. These organisations are working closely together to increase awareness and understanding of dementia.

The auction night will be held on Friday 25 April at the Thelma Hulbert Gallery, led by local auctioneers, Chilcott's. The artworks can be viewed at THG from 15 March. Silent bids can be taken at THG or on-line at www.chilcottsauctioneers.co.uk.

The donated works form part of a major new exhibition 'Recollection' at THG, focusing on contemporary artists whose work explores the theme of memory. This thought-provoking exhibition presents many moving artworks highlighting memory and memory loss.

Devon has over 50 Memory Cafés, offering support to those living with dementia and their carers, especially during the early stages of the condition. To find your nearest café visit: www.memorycafes.org.uk