Staff raise cash to mark World Alzheimer's Day

Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care on High Street organised its own tribute to actor Gene Wilder when it hosted a cake sale and staff dressed as Oompa Loompas, from one of Gene’s most famous films, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

The actor died last month from complications from Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Society is Scrivens’ chosen charity for this year and as part of its support Alfreton branch employees have been trained as Dementia Friends in a drive to change people’s perceptions of the condition. There is growing evidence of a link between uncorrected hearing loss and dementia, including Alzheimer’s.

Branch manager Jo Wright said: “Dementia touches so many families and we wanted to raise awareness of the charity and the need for research and support.”

As part of its fundraising activities the branch also donated £1 for every hearing screening last week.

Jo added: “Our hearing screenings are free of charge and we want to encourage people to have regular hearing checks as they do eye tests.”