Rosehill Players raise money for Alzheimer's Society

The Rosehill Players performed 'The Last Memory' in August, which was "received exceptionally well" by those who attended.

The story of the play, originally gifted to the group by the playwright, is based on real-life situations and aims to raise awareness and spark discussion about the disease.

The playwright, Alan Stockdill, attended one of the performances, describing it as a "wonderful production".

Jude Henderson, the director of the play, said: "It's dear to me because I lost my mum to dementia. 

"The play that we did was gifted to the players, and the playwright came. 

"When we were doing it, we didn't think we would make very much money for the players, but the idea was to give back by tackling the Alzheimer's condition as it is."

The money raised for the Alzheimer's Society came from the sales of tiny crocheted forget-me-nots made by the director, which were sold before the performance.

The group said the response to the play had "touched" them and had allowed families to "talk and share in a safe, understanding company".

"The Last Memory" received support from dementia-friendly groups, such as Wonderful Wednesdays —a monthly activity for people living with dementia and their caregivers— and Sing for Joy, a musical session for people and caregivers living with dementia.

The West Cumbria Group meeting for Parkinson's is also assisted by advertising in their newsletter.

St Mary's Catholic Church also made a large block booking, praising the actors for their sensitive handling of the issue.

A spokesman from The Rosehill Players said: "Just received official thank-you from the Alzheimer’s Society for our recent fundraiser at Rosehill Theatre.

"It was just a one-act play with two in the cast and was received exceptionally well by all who attended in August.

"As a group, The Rosehill Players have been touched by the reviews, response, and connections that have occurred through this production.

"We have helped raise awareness of this disease and allowed families to talk and share in a safe, understanding company."