TV stars to host Magherafelt family’s dementia fundraiser

James Nesbitt, Fiona Phillips and Sarah Travers are among the stars taking part in ‘Forget Me Not’ The Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit, taking place on March 7, at Titanic Belfast.

The gala ball aims to raise £50,000, the most ever raised on one evening for Alzheimer’s in Northern Ireland, and build awareness about this often misunderstood disease.

James, Fiona and Sarah have each been personally affected by the devastation of dementia, having recently lost a parent, and in the case of Fiona Phillips, both parents, to the disease.

They will join with the Duffy family, who have organised this event in memory of their beloved husband and father Patsy Duffy, to make this one of the most special nights in the Northern Ireland social and charity calendar.

Patsy Duffy from Magherafelt passed away in 2012, at the age of just 57 from early-onset dementia.

His wife, Janette and four daughters share a common purpose with the event’s hosts, to turn their personal tragedies into something positive, raising awareness and much needed funds to help find a cure.

James Nesbitt, who will be taking time out of his busy filming schedule in LA to be here for the event, said he was honoured to be part of the Forget Me Not Benefit, an important event to raise money and hope towards finding a cure for Alzheimer’s.

“Their goal of raising £50,000, the most ever raised in Northern Ireland in one night, will go a long way to give scientists the tools to turn dementia into a curable condition.

“With the right backing, we can fight this terrible disease.” 

Fiona Phillips, the much loved personality, is one of the UK’s foremost campaigners for dementia.

She said: “Both of my parents’ battled dementia so I understand how devastating an illness it can be, not just for the person diagnosed, but for all of the family too.

“I’m delighted to be hosting the Patsy Duffy Memorial Benefit.”

TV presenter Sarah Travers has only recently experienced the devastation of dementia, explains how she is passionate about channeling her loss into positive action.

“Only through research can we know more about these conditions and one day find a way to halt their progression, perhaps even find a cure.

“The Duffy’s are a fantastic family and Patsy would be so proud of his beautiful wife and daughters in what they are doing to raise awareness and much needed funds.” 

Patsy’s wife, Janette Duffy said: “We are overwhelmed and are so thankful for the support we have received since launching in September. It’s a testament to the man Patsy was and the desire across NI to do something about this disease that the tables are completely sold out.”

Donations can be made at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ForgetMeNotBenefit

For more information please visit www.forgetmenotbenefit.com, email [email protected] or call 079 7125 1680.

Visit facebook.com/forgetmenotbenefit to follow the events progress, the fundraising efforts or to learnmore about the Duffy family’s experience with dementia