Alzheimer Scotland's Chief Executive, Henry Simmons and Katy Hawker, East Ayrshire Dementia Advisor were delighted last week as Provost Stephanie Young handed over nearly £30,000, the proceeds from her fundraising year.

A smiling Provost Young said: "When we set out on this year of support for Alzheimer Scotland we were clear that our objectives were dual purpose. We aimed to raise both funds and awareness while giving Katy Hawker; who at the time had just started work as the charity's first Dementia Advisor in the area; as much support as we could to get her established in our community. We set a target of £25,000.00 and aimed to look at setting up a ground breaking "Musical Minds" group as a template for further development. We've actually achieved far more. Exceeding our monetary target is just part of that. Crucially, we've managed to set up several Musical Minds and Friendship Groups and with our assistance in finding suitable work premises and venues for her groups Katy's now well recognised as the vital first point of contact for anyone with dementia, their families and carers." Accepting the cheque for £29,038.46 Henry Simmons said: "currently there are 82,000 people living with dementia. Until we find a cure our job is to offer advice and practical support to them and their carers.

"I can only say thank you to the Provost for choosing Alzheimer Scotland as her charity of the year. Throughout this year her energy, enthusiasm, commitment and her absolute determination to make this year such a wonderful success has been incredible. It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside her and her team, they have been an inspiration to us and I am sure too; to all the local people and businesses in East Ayrshire who have so generously supported our cause throughout the year.

"With the help we've had, East Ayrshire now has a well established and growing network of Musical Minds groups, Friendship groups and drop in sessions. Katy Hawker has been helped to make the right contacts and find premises for her groups and her own office. All of this has been made possible with the help of the funds and support we've had. Everything that has been done this year will leave a lasting legacy, helping us continue to make sure no one goes through dementia alone."