A BIG birthday celebration helped to raise more than £2,000 for a leading dementia charity.

Julie Brinnand celebrated her 65th birthday in style with more than 100 guests enjoying the occasion.

She said it was "a grand reunion to reconnect with friends from across the years".

Mrs Brinnand's party was held on Saturday, May 18 to raise money for Dementia UK.

This was done in memory of Mrs Brinnand’s mum Margaret (Peggy) Roe, who died in October 2017 aged 91. She had lived with her daughter for more than six years and developed vascular dementia during that time.

The loving companionship between these two ladies changed into a carer’s role for Mrs Brinnand and learning as much about dementia as possible.

The party was an extravaganza with former pirate DJ, Roger ‘Twiggy’ Day acting as host and Popgun80s band providing live dancing music.

Raffle prizes were all worth in excess of £100 and in lieu of presents, guests were asked to donate at least £10 each. A fantastic £2,170 was raised for Dementia UK who provides specialist dementia support for families through their Admiral Nurse service.

When things get challenging or difficult for people with dementia or their families, Admiral Nurses work alongside them, giving the one-to-one support, expert guidance and practical solutions people need.

The unique dementia expertise and experience an Admiral Nurse brings is a lifeline – it helps everyone in the family to live more positively with dementia in the present, and to face the challenges of tomorrow with more confidence and less fear.