Teenagers’ garden party raises £2,500 for Alzheimer’s Research

Two sixth-formers, inspired by befriending residents in a care home, raised £2,500 to fight dementia by running a garden party.

St Benedict’s Catholic Secondary School students Katie Tooley and Millie Eddy have both volunteered at St Peter’s House care home in the town’s Out Risbygate.

They organised the garden party in Westbury Road, Bury St Edmunds, last Saturday in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK and the care home.

Katie said: “Millie and I have been touched by the friendships we have formed with residents at St Peter’s House and this inspired us to raise funds to help find a cure for this terrible condition.”

The garden party was a huge team effort and Katie and Millie had support from friends, family – who baked cakes as well as volunteering on the day – and local companies and individuals who provided raffle and silent auction prizes.

Donna Cook, deputy manager at St Peter’s House, said: “We were thrilled to be invited and five of our residents thoroughly enjoyed the happy atmosphere and were made to feel very welcome.

“We are delighted that they are going to make a donation to our care home.”

The students, who started their planning in February, were supported in by Holly Noon, Alzheimer’s Research UK’s East Anglia Fundraising Officer, who said: “We are blown away by the amazing work that Katie and Millie have done to raise vital funds for dementia research.’’

“Sadly, there are currently no treatments that can slow or prevent the development of dementia.

“Alzheimer’s Research UK’s mission is to bring about the first life-changing treatment for dementia by 2025.

“This will only be possible with the pioneering fundraising efforts of people like Katie and Millie.’’

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Katie and Millie for hosting a wonderful garden party and for joining the fightback against dementia.”

Anne Mansfield, head of governors at St Benedict’s school, said: “It is wonderful to see our students involved in the wider community, which is something our school actively encourages.”

You can donate to Katie and Millie’s fundraising for Alzheimer’s Research UK at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/gardenparty2018