Essex based Dementia fundraising group ‘Support an Essex Admiral Nurse’ celebrated one year of fundraising in aid of Dementia UK.

SEAN are a group that work alongside Dementia UK in aid of commissioning Admiral Nurses who give one to one support to families and carers of dementia sufferers.

The group has raised just over £9,000 towards their £50,000 target and they have had a huge impact on the lives of dementia sufferers and their families.

Chair of SEAN Julia Mells said, “When we started a year ago there were no Admiral Nurses working in Essex.

“To date we now have four Admiral Nurses working in some areas of Essex.

“Dementia UK are working hard to get Admiral Nurses commissioned across Essex and we would love to see one working in our area.”

Mells knows first-hand the difficulties of looking after Dementia Sufferers.

“My own dad was diagnosed with vascular dementia about two years go although he had symptoms for some time before his diagnosis.

“I know from my own experience how mentally, physically and emotionally exhausting being a carer for someone with dementia is.

“I know that I would have benefitted from the support of an Admiral Nurse if one had been available.

“Sadly my dad passed away at the end of 2017.”

Mells highlighted her belief that there is a genuine demand for Admiral Nurses.

She added, “The fact that such a group exists shows that people in Essex want an Admiral Nurses service here.

The group is mentioned when Dementia UK are speaking to those who commission services.”

Fund raising events this year include Peter Argall running the London Marathon. You can sponsor Peter by visiting www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PeterArgall

For more information on the charity visit ‘www.DementiaUK.org.’