Jacqueline Stanley from Dukinfield is getting in touch with her inner elf this December to raise vital funds for Alzheimer's Society in memory of her dad.

Jackie is marking Elf Day on Friday (2 December) by holding a week of bake sales with colleagues at the children’s mental health clinic she works at in Stalybridge, Tameside CAMHS, Springleigh Clinic, to help change the lives of around 30,000 people living with dementia in Greater Manchester.

Jackie’s father Graham was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2016 which inspired her to raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society’s by taking part in Elf Day.

Jackie explains: “A friend saw the advert for Elf Day on social media and shared it with me because she knew about my dad. We thought it’s a bit of fun we could do at work, and also raise awareness of dementia.”

Jackie explains about her father Graham: “After he had been diagnosed with dementia, dad went in on himself. He was worried about getting to the stage my uncle did. It was like he had decided he didn’t want to be here, so he stopped eating and drinking, and kept going into hospital because of it.

“I’ve got two sisters and a brother, and as we all live locally were able to help mum manage things. They had been very active, but my dad had lost interest in things so didn’t want to do much anymore. We spent time with him at home as we wanted to make sure mum still had a life. We didn’t have carers coming in and tried to sort everything between us.

“We all felt like he’d made his mind up once he had his dementia diagnosis. He went into hospital in 2018 and doctors were talking about sending him home, but he died suddenly.”

Jackie continues: “This is my first Elf Day. We are doing a week-long bake sale so all the staff on various shifts can get involved and are dressing up as elves on Friday 2 December to mark the day. The kids will love being greeted by an elf when they come into clinic.

“On the day, we’re going to do some games and a drawing competition for the children, asking them to draw and colour in elves. Hopefully we can get donations that way. We have a screen in reception, so we’ll be putting information on through the week, and encouraging the children to come in dressed up as elves as well. We love to decorate for special occasions. We want to get families involved, and friends donating outside of work as well.”

Jackie is among several local fundraisers who have signed up for Alzheimer’s Society Elf Day on Friday 2 December, or a date of their own choosing throughout December, with participants encouraged to get creative with their festive fundraising ideas.

Those taking part can fundraise in a variety of ways, from dressing up, organising festive bake sales or hosting a Christmas themed event. You don’t need to buy anything new, that old stripey jumper at the back of the wardrobe will do fine!

But if you’re stuck for costume ideas and would like to spend your money where it will make a difference Alzheimer's Society's online shop has plenty of elfish garments and gifts available to buy at shop.alzheimers.org.uk

Sue Clarke, Alzheimer’s Society Area Manager for Greater Manchester, said: “We are in awe of our amazing supporters like Jackie. 900,000 people across the UK, and 30,000 of those in Greater Manchester, are living with dementia and too many are facing it alone or without sufficient help or support.

“Christmas can be a challenging and isolating time for people affected by the illness and at Alzheimer’s Society we often see an increased demand for our services after families notice changes in loved ones over the festive period.”

“But Christmas is also about fun and doing whatever we can to help others. Elf Day is a great way to get people together to celebrate the festive season and do a little bit of good at the same time.

“You can dress up as much or as little as you like. You could keep it simple in red and green or jingle all the way with pointy ears and curly shoes. If dressing up isn’t your thing then why not bake some festive treats or organise a get together with friends.”

All the money raised on Elf Day will be used by Alzheimer’s Society to provide information and support, improve care, fund research and bring about lasting change for people affected by dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society can be contacted throughout the festive season for confidential support, help and advice on 0333 150 3456.

A free fundraising pack full of helpful hints, tips and promotional ideas is available at alzheimers.org.uk/elfday. Or you can support Alzheimer’s Society directly this Christmas by making a donation. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/christmas

Read more from the Tameside Reporter

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper