STARS TOUCHED BY DEMENTIA SET TO HOST THE GLITTERING ‘FORGET ME NOT’ GALA BALL IN TITANIC BELFAST!!
Thursday, February 06, 2014
Organising the ‘Forget Me Not’ The Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit Gala Ball the Duffy family, sisters Lisa Duffy, Roisin Duffy, Aisling Bremner, Tanya McGeehan and Patsy’s wife Janette Duffy (centre).
The Real Elle Woods likes nothing more than to get all glammed up, especially when it's for a worthwhile cause, which was why I was so pleased to hear about the star studded "Forget Me not" Gala ball taking place in Titanic Belfast to help raise much needed funds for dementia.
James Nesbitt, Fiona Phillips and Sarah Travers are among the stars taking part in ‘Forget Me Not’ The Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit, taking place on 07 March at Titanic Belfast. The gala ball aims to raise £50,000, the most ever raised on one evening for Alzheimer’s in Northern Ireland, and build awareness about this often misunderstood disease.
James, Fiona and Sarah have each been personally affected by the devastation of dementia, having recently lost a parent, and in the case of Fiona Phillips, both parents, to the disease. They will join with the Duffy family, who have organised this event in memory of their beloved husband and father Patsy Duffy, to make this one of the most special nights in the Northern Ireland social and charity calendar. Patsy Duffy from Magherafelt passed away in 2012, at the age of just 57 from early-onset dementia. His wife, Janette and four daughters share a common purpose with the event’s hosts, to turn their personal tragedies into something positive, raising awareness and much needed funds to help find a cure.
James Nesbitt, Photograph credit Pip bypip.co.uk.
James Nesbitt, who will be taking time out of his busy filming schedule in LA to be here for the event, stated: “I am honoured to be part of the Forget Me Not Benefit, an important event to raise money and hope towards finding a cure for Alzheimer’s. Their goal of raising £50,000, the most ever raised in Northern Ireland in one night, will go a long way to give scientists the tools to turn dementia into a curable condition. With the right backing, we can fight this terrible disease.”
Fiona Phillips.
Fiona Phillips, a much loved personality, is one of the UK’s foremost campaigners for dementia, most recently taking an active role around the G8 Dementia Summit. Commenting on her support for the Forget Me Not Benefit, she said: “Both of my parents’ battled dementia so I understand how devastating an illness it can be, not just for the person diagnosed, but for all of the family too. As a proud Alzheimer's Society ambassador, I’m delighted to be hosting the Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit. The funds raised will make a huge difference to the lives of so many families living with dementia.”
Sarah Travers.
The broadcaster and journalist Sarah Travers has only recently experienced the devastation of dementia, explains how she is passionate about channeling her loss into positive action.
She said: “A decade ago I knew very little about the "D" word and the impact it had on families. That was until dementia came to our door. My father, Ian, started showing signs in 2008 at the age of 62. Doctors put his unusual behaviour and anxiety down to work related stress but eventually he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Just five years later and he was gone. My handsome, funny dad passed away on the 04 October 2013 with us at his bedside after such a difficult five years, for him of course but most notably for my mum who cared for him during that time.
“We are only still coming to terms with what has actually happened and we miss him somuch. We chose to leave dad's brain to science to try in someway to find something good in a terribly sad situation. We're glad we made the decision as the autopsy revealed he was suffering not only from Alzheimer's disease but also from severe lewy body dementia, the second most common form. This highlights the need for more research which I am passionate about. Only through research can we know more about these conditions and one day find a way to halt their progression, perhaps even find a cure. This is why I'm honoured to be involved with the Forget Me Not Benefit. The Duffy’s are a fantastic family and Patsy would be so proud of his beautiful wife and daughters in what they are doing to raise awareness and much needed funds."
Looking ahead to the evening, Patsy’s wife, Janette Duffy wanted to thank those who have supported the event and is confident that those attending will have a night to remember.“Myself and the girls have been overwhelmed and are so thankful for the support we have received since launching in September. It’s a testament to the man Patsy was and the desire across NI to do something about this disease that the tables are completely sold out. We look forward to sharing what is set to be a truly unforgettable evening with such a fantastic group of kind and generous people. Our family and friends, businesses from across NI and many whom we don’t know personally whose lives like ours have been affected by this cruel disease, will come together on that evening to fight dementia. We are just putting the finishing touches to the plans for the night, and we promise that our guests will not be disappointed. I know it will be a fitting tribute to Patsy, who would have truly enjoyed an evening like this, full of great food, music, dancing and laughter.”
Organising the ‘Forget Me Not’ The Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit Gala Ball the Duffy family, sisters Lisa Duffy, Roisin Duffy, Aisling Bremner, Tanya McGeehan and Patsy’s wife Janette Duffy (centre).
The spectacular Titanic Belfast is the setting for this special event. Guests will be welcomed by a Champagne reception overlooking the Titanic Slipways, followed by a specially designed four course menu, laughs from the world famous Brendan Grace, banter on the floor from Cool FM’s Connor Phillips, a silent auction, a wonderful line up of music culminating with a set from the legendary Red Hot Roosters and lots of surprises for guests throughout the night. The dress code is stipulated as ‘Full Length & Fabulous’, which suggests a glittering evening awaits those lucky enough to be attending. The ball is completely sold out, however donations are very welcome and will be recognised on the evening. Donations can be made athttp://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ForgetMeNotBenefit
For more information please visit www.forgetmenotbenefit.com, email info@forgetmenotbenefit.com or call 079 7125 1680. Visit facebook.com/forgetmenotbenefitto follow the events progress, the fundraising efforts or to learn more about the Duffy family's experience with dementia.
