A CHARITY group for people with dementia is celebrating after being given a six-month session cash boost for 45 people in a homebuilder's community scheme.

Magical Memories, based in Tyldesley, has named a Persimmon Homes Community Champion with the homebuilder awarding the group £1,000.

The volunteers group hosts Happy Timers sessions, which are free and feature activities such as live musical entertainment, reminiscing past times, bingo, quizzes, looking at old photographs and participating in crafts with a two-course meal included.

Magical Memories founder Marlene Chadwick said: “Very often, when a person is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the role of a spouse often changes from partner to carer and I have seen how difficult this can be.

"People often miss doing things as a couple and can feel cut off from an outside social life.

"What they need is a safe place to go to talk to people in a similar situation where they can share ideas and discuss experiences.

“After setting up Magical Memories, I did not want just a support group, I wanted somewhere for people to go to have a good time with others in a similar situation who really understood.

"When I realised that this type of community event was not available I decided to launch my own.

“Though our activities the community has been genuinely brought together and people have made new friends."

As well as thanking Persimmon Homes, Marlene also praised her charity's workers.

She added: "We have a team of dedicated volunteers who make all this possible.

"Many of them have lost loved one to this terrible disease so they understand and want to help others."

The Community Champions scheme invites charities and groups to apply for a share of a regional pot of £24,000 every year.

Sales director for Persimmon Homes North West Dave Hodgson said: “We are delighted to be able to support Marlene and her group of volunteers and wish them well in keeping so many memories alive.”

Mr Hodgson added that the homebuilder receive a large number of applications for its Community Champions scheme but urges charities who have not been successful to apply again by visiting persimmonhomes.com/charity.