University charity chosen by new Lancaster mayor

Lancaster University charity Defying Dementia has been chosen by the new Mayor of Lancaster as one of his mayoral charities for the second year running.
Dr Penny Foulds of Defying Dementia with the previous Mayor, Coun David Whitaker.Dr Penny Foulds of Defying Dementia with the previous Mayor, Coun David Whitaker.
Dr Penny Foulds of Defying Dementia with the previous Mayor, Coun David Whitaker.

The university’s Defying Dementia campaign was launched in 2015 and aims to raise over a million pounds to fund the research and development of a new drug created by Prof David Allsop and his team.

The newly elected Mayor of Lancaster, Coun Malcolm Thomas, has chosen to continue the work of his predecessor, Coun David Whitaker, by choosing to support Defying Dementia for 2020/2021.

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Among other activities, the previous mayor attended the Walk to Defy Dementia, which is an annual charity walk along Morecambe promenade organised by the Defying Dementia Student Society.

The new mayor is currently in the process of organising a number of fundraising events to help increase awareness and support for the campaign in the local area. These events will take place virtually at first, but will resume across the Lancaster community when it is safe to do so.

Coun Thomas said: “As Mayor of this city I will do all in my power to support the many causes which are proving to be so important to the district in helping us all through this crisis and building towards better times in the future.”

Prof Allsop’s research aims to slow the progression of the disease and is currently at the stage of human clinical trials at MAC Clinical Research in Blackpool. The dual action drug is the only one of its kind that targets both plaques and tangles, thought to be the primary causes of the disease.

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In the past five years community fundraisers have helped to raise more than £380,000 for the campaign by organising events such as sponsored walks and coffee mornings.

This support has enabled Defying Dementia to recruit Neuroscientist Dr Norah Ulzheimer, who is working as part of Prof Allsop’s research team. Norah’s position was entirely funded through philanthropic support which highlights the role the community have played in the progression of the campaign.

In turn, the Defying Dementia campaign contributes to the community by supporting the Bay Dementia Hub, providing support and advice to dementia sufferers and their families across the local area, There are now hubs in Kendal, the Fylde Coast, Blackburn, Hyndburn and Lancaster and Morecambe.

The charity is also involved in the Fresher’s Young Onset Cafes and other community initiatives for people with neurodegenerative brain conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

If you would like to find out more about the Defying Dementia campaign and the research being undertaken at Lancaster University please go online here