Charity concert arrives in Cheltenham

Company news

Mar 13, 2015

On Sunday 19 April, the Bacon Theatre in Cheltenham will play host to charity concert ‘Forget Me Not’, with proceeds going to Alzheimer’s Society.

The event, which is sponsored by Care UK’s Sandfields care home in Cheltenham, will feature talented performers including those from the Royal Opera House Covent Garden; world renowned mezzo soprano Sarah Connolly CBE; first artiste with the Royal Ballet Company, Pietra Mello Pitman; and local actress Fiona Fullerton.

Sue Jones, who organises the Forget Me Not concert, began raising funds for Alzheimer’s Society in 2011 as it’s a cause close to her heart, she said: “My mother died of complications due to Alzheimer’s disease. Watching her deterioration from a vibrant active woman into a tormented and tortured soul was a harrowing experience. After her death I was determined to do something positive to help with research into Alzheimer’s and thus the ‘Forget Me Not’ concert was born.”

Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, which is a high priority for Sandfields care home. The home was purpose built in 2014 to provide full time residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short term respite care.  

Ruth Baggs, home manager of Sandfields, said “75 per cent of our residents live with various stages of dementia. Therefore, we understand the importance of being armed with expert advice and information, which comes from research and experience. We appreciate how essential it is for continued research into the disease and it is a pleasure to support such a fantastic event that will raise funds and awareness of the condition.”

The first ‘Forget Me Not’ concert was held in March 2011 at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle with the Countess of Wessex as the guest of honour. The second concert was held 18 months later in November 2013 at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford. Combined, these two concerts raised £34,000 for Alzheimer’s society.

For event ticket information, email team@bacontheatre.co.uk or call 01242 288002.