A Whitland shop worker has been praised for inspiring the townspeople to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Recently Rebecca Hartt, a staff member at Boots the Chemist, visited the town’s businesses in an effort to get them on board for some serious fundraising. By the end of last week it was clear that it had been a great success: for example Sarah’s Newsagents and Post Office had raised £200 with a raffle for chocolate.

In keeping with the Christmas season, Thursday was an ‘Elfie Selfie’ day in?Whitland, with ‘What’s Cooking’ producing elf cup cakes.

“None of this would have happened if it were not for Rebecca,” observed Sian McDowell, of Allsorz and Allsorz Plus, who had started sellikng raffle tickets on Tuesday and by Thursday had sold £250 worth.

What inspired Rebecca to choose the Alzheimer’s Society? “My grandad had vascular dementia,” explained Rebecca, who used to work for Crossroads Care. “Ultimately Alzheimer’s is something that affects us all.”

The proceeds, which amounted to more than £1,000 were collected on Thursday and Friday and donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Whitland Town Council expressed pride in being part of a local group that is raising the awareness of dementia within the area.

Started in Autumn 2017 the Whitland, St Clears and Laugharne Dementia Friends have been holding sessions across the towns with nearly 300 people attending the informal one hour awareness session, to develop a greater understanding of someone living with dementia.

Local businesses are also signed up to the scheme to gain the recognition of being a dementia friendly business, where sometimes a different coloured sign or floormat can make a huge difference. Others who have attended are the team at Boots, firemen, ATC, WI and other community groups. More sessions are planned for the future.

Chairman of the group Barry Chapman said:

“The aim of the group is to raise awareness within our towns and to enable those living with dementia to enjoy visiting the towns. Whitland is working towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Town. The QT (quality time) Club also meets here in the town as a support group for those living with with dementia and their friends, spouses, partners and carers to have some enjoyable activities together.

“Being part of Elf Day was a wonderful opportunity to highlight and support the work the Alzheimers Society do. A huge thanks to Rebecca Hartt from Boots for bringing the community together for such a wonderful day.”