On Thursday, October 17, Manchester’s Central Hall embraced a vibrant display of solidarity as it was enveloped in a mile of scarves, all knitted for Lewy body dementia awareness. Hundreds of passionate supporters, from Manchester to Margate, contributed over a thousand scarves for the Lewy Body Society’s (LBS) annual Scarf for Lewy event, showcasing the community’s commitment to this important cause.
Uniting the Community Through Knitting
The Scarf for Lewy initiative is designed to raise awareness of the second most prevalent form of neurodegenerative dementia affecting older adults. The event highlighted the crucial role of the Lewy Body Society, the only charity in the UK exclusively dedicated to supporting individuals living with Lewy body dementia, their families, and medical research.
Vicky Hands, the organiser of Scarf for Lewy, expressed her vision for the event: “I wanted to create an inclusive experience where everyone could participate. One scarf alone wouldn’t make a significant impact, so I aimed to gather many contributions, creating something spectacular together!”
Vicky’s personal connection to the cause is profound; her husband was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2018. She felt compelled to act, stating, “I decided that something needed to be done to spread awareness about the charity, which gave me a sense of purpose.”
Celebrity Support Amplifying the Cause
The event was further enhanced by the presence of Lewy Body Society ambassador and beloved entertainer Christopher Biggins, who spoke passionately about the importance of community involvement. “When you see all these scarves together, it’s truly impressive. We need to continue raising awareness for those caring for individuals with Lewy body dementia. Our voices must be heard to encourage more people to get involved,” he remarked.
Celebrity TV presenter Rob Rinder also shared a supportive message, highlighting his personal connection to the cause as his father lives with Lewy body dementia.
Addressing the Urgent Need for Awareness
Dementia remains the leading cause of death in the UK, with Lewy body dementia presenting unique challenges that affect memory, cognition, movement, sleep, and behaviour. Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Wendy Jones, expressed her admiration for the Wigan-based charity’s efforts. “I am thrilled to see such dedication in supporting individuals living with Lewy body dementia and their caregivers.” Events like this in the heart of the city are vital for raising awareness and funds for much-needed research,” she stated.
The event also featured performances from “Dancing with Dementia” and the “Do Your Thing” choir, further enriching the day’s atmosphere.
A Warm Hug for Families Facing Challenges
Jacqui Cannon, CEO of the Lewy Body Society, reflected on the event’s impact: “It’s heartwarming to see our supporters come together in such a colourful and cosy manner. Families facing Lewy body dementia encounter significant challenges, from obtaining accurate diagnoses to managing care. We aim to provide a warm embrace and advocate for improved support and research.”
Following the event, the lovingly knitted scarves will be separated and donated to The Brick, a Wigan charity dedicated to supporting individuals at risk of homelessness, ensuring that the warmth generated by the community continues to spread far beyond the event.