Kilmarnock's Grand Hall was the venue for a "world leading event" as East Ayrshire Provost Stephanie Young's year of fundraising for her chosen charity, Alzheimer Scotland, came to a close with a Grand Finale Concert.
World famous Tenor, Martin Aelred, interrupted a hectic schedule to join pupils from Kilmarnock and Auchinleck, singers from the Kilmarnock Amateur Operatic Society (KAOS) and members of Musical Minds, the group set up to provide musical therapy and entertainment to people with dementia and their carers.
Guest of honour, Henry Simmons said: "We are extremely grateful to Provost Stephanie Young and all her team for their incredible commitment and enthusiasm in supporting Alzheimer Scotland throughout this year. Their efforts have allowed us to develop several local initiatives to help make sure no-one in East Ayrshire goes through dementia on their own.
"In particular, the wonderful development of Musical Minds, culminating in an amazing Grand Finale concert: not only a wonderful evening of entertainment, but also a groundbreaking gathering. Never before have primary, school children, secondary school pupils, college students, local musicians and an internationally renowned tenor stood together on the same stage as people with dementia to raise awareness and funds to fight the illness.
"This intergenerational gathering represents all of the communities of East Ayrshire, whose people and businesses have so very generously supported us this year. On behalf of everyone at Alzheimer Scotland, I would like to extend our thanks to everyone who has supported Provost Young and her work; it has helped us make a difference." Provost Young said, "I'm always overwhelmed by the support shown by East Ayrshire residents for my charities and this year has been no exception with over £25,000 raised. So much has also been achieved in terms of raising awareness and establishing friendship groups and Musical Minds throughout East Ayrshire. Most importantly we have helped build partnerships which will endure long after the finish of this appeal, to help Alzheimer Scotland in their support for people with dementia, their families and carers." ENDS
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