Saturday, 27th September was a wonderful, sunny, and fresh day at Hyde Park for a 5 and 10K run, setting the perfect scene for our Run for Charity event. The aim was to raise funds for Dementia Carers Respite, a charity that raises fund to give respite to dementia family carers who are often mentally and physically exhausted, desperate for a break to recharge their batteries.
We were really delighted to see such enthusiastic participation and support from a group of wonderful people. What was really nice as well is some made it into a family day out in London and stayed on for lunch with families or visited friends.
Chiltern & Shelburne Hospital Support
The event was fully supported by Chiltern and Shelburne Hospitals. Their remarkable staff generously gave up their day, with many undertaking dedicated training to prepare for the run. Everyone arrived bright and early, motivated and ready to give their all—an effort that truly shone throughout the day.
Generous Contributions
Runners and supporters proudly wore T-shirts kindly donated by Air Fresh Limited, based in London. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lee, Frankie, and Mark Craze for their generous gift of 1,000 T-shirts, which will be invaluable for future events as well.
Gratitude to Key Participants
Of course, the heart of the event was the runners and coordinators, whose commitment and hard work made the day possible. We offer sincere thanks to Chiltern & Shelburne Hospitals for encouraging their staff to volunteer and help us organise and raise funds for Dementia Family Carers. A special mention must go to Yin, a longstanding and enthusiastic supporter of our charity, who always goes above and beyond with a smile. Excitingly, Yin is already looking forward to next year's event!
Thanks to the Dementia Carers Respite Team
We are also deeply grateful to everyone within the Dementia Carers Respite team, whose dedication and effort made this event a reality.
Event Highlights and Fundraising Success
Trustee Tim Garnham and I were present for the entire event, and we thoroughly enjoyed every moment. As of this morning, we have received £895 in donations, and the total is still rising. Well done to everyone involved—let’s aim to reach £1,000!
Walid Marzouk

We were thrilled to welcome members of My Town Choir to a recent meeting, where they handed over a cheque for £1028.15 raised at their 2025 summer concert in support of Dementia Carers Respite. Representing the choir were Jo Edworthy, choir director, and Cathy Bruin, one of the choir’s enthusiastic members. Our patron Eric Knowles and chairman Walid were delighted to thank them in person and celebrate this fantastic contribution.

Formed in 2019 and led by professional singer Jo Edworthy, My Town Choir has built something truly special in the community. The group exists to bring people together in two ways: by giving members the chance to make friends, socialise and enjoy the wellbeing benefits of singing in a choir, and by supporting the wider community through fundraising concerts for local charities. The charities supported are suggested and chosen by choir members themselves, and we are especially grateful to Louise Graham, whose nomination of Dementia Carers Respite meant carers and their families directly benefited from the concert’s fundraising.

The choir’s mission is simple but powerful: to share the joy of song with everyone, regardless of musical background or experience. As Jo explained to us: “Everyone has a voice. Unless there’s some physical or audiological reason, I believe that everyone can sing.” This inclusive approach has drawn in a wonderfully diverse group—from confident singers to those who once thought they were tone-deaf but have since discovered the thrill of performing in harmony.
Over time, My Town Choir has raised more than £11,000 for local causes. Their generosity and community spirit are a reminder of how music can ripple outwards, lifting not only the singers themselves but also those who benefit from their support.
For us, that means providing respite for family carers of people living with dementia—time to rest, recharge, and return with renewed energy to their vital role.

A heartfelt thank you to Jo, Cathy, Louise, and every member of My Town Choir for choosing Dementia Carers Respite. Their voices don’t just fill a hall with song – they lift spirits and change lives.

Following the success of our previous two events, we are pleased to announce our third annual Golf Day & Dinner at Harewood Downs. This esteemed venue is regarded as one of Buckinghamshire’s finest courses, renowned for its exceptional three-course meals that combine restaurant quality with excellent value and service.
Event Schedule:
11:00–12:00 — Golfers’ Reception & Rolls at the Clubhouse
12:00–17:00 — 18-Hole, Four-Ball Tournament
17:00–18:00 — Refreshments and rest for golfers
18:00–18:15 — Welcome Address from Walid Marzouk
Presentation of Golf Prizes — Commander Stef Bakker
18:15–18:45 — “Being a Dementia Family Carer” by Scott Mitchell – Dementia Champion
18:45–19:45 — Three-Course Dinner
Additional highlights include:
Raffle featuring premium prizes
Exciting Auction for High-Value Items hosted by Patron & TV Personality Eric Knowles
Fees:
Golf Day: £55 per person
Dinner/Evening: £40.00 per person
To reserve your place for the golf tournament, the dinner, or both, please email support@dementia-respite.org.uk which you can also use for general enquiries.
For information about the golf competition, contact Stef at sbkr1964@gmail.com.
For information on venue please visit website: https://www.hdgc.co.uk/

Please note: spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Join us in raising vital funds for Dementia Carers Respite, a UK charity dedicated to giving unpaid family carers the rest and support they so desperately need.

Every day, thousands of people across the UK selflessly care for a loved one living with dementia. It’s a 24/7 job emotionally draining, physically demanding and often lonely. Some carers go months, without a proper break.
Dementia Carers Respite steps in to help. We provide free professional respite care, giving family carers the chance to rest, reconnect with themselves and feel human again even if just for a few hours.

Want to make a positive impact? Lace up your running shoes and join Team DCR and The Chiltern Hospital in Buckinghamshire, with Friends and Families in our upcoming fun charity running events:

Manchester Half Marathon
Date: Sunday, 12th October 2025
Location: Starts at Emirates Old Trafford County Cricket Club
Names of runners: UMAR ASLAM, MOHAMMED USAM, MOHAMMED TALHA, AMJAD MAHMOOD & PIP FRANCE

Hyde Park 5K or 10K https://www.runthrough.co.uk/event/hyde-park-5k-10k-september-2025
Date: Saturday, 27th September 2025
Location: Hyde Park, London…only a few places remaining
Choose between a 5K or 10K run in one of London’s most iconic parks. A family-friendly, feel-good event for a great cause.

Note: Other than your registration fee you do not need to collect donations or set up your own donation page. Just encourage friends, colleagues and family to donate through this GoFundMe page.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/dementia-carers-respite-24/

You can help whether you are taking part in the run or just want to make a donation:
Donation: Every penny brings relief to Dementia Family Carers
Share: Spread the word. Let your friends and family know about this cause.
Run for Us: Take part in one of the events. Every runner helps us go the extra mile.

Even a small donation can give a family carer time to breathe, something so many of us take for granted. Together, we can make sure no family carer is left behind. Thank you for supporting Dementia Carers Respite