A retirement home held a celebratory tea party yesterday after it raised hundreds of pounds for the Alzheimer’s Society.

Residents at Sunrise of Elstree, in Edgwarebury Lane, proudly handed over a cheque for £698 to the society after it raised the money at a barbecue last month.

Jean Francis, 90, who has been a resident of the home for the last eight months, said the party was “simply wonderful.”

She said: “It was a great celebration – everyone got together and enjoyed themselves which was lovely.

“We raised such an impressive amount so we were all so proud to be able to hand over the money.

“I had a lot of fun. We had a pianist who was brilliant and the chef made a giant fruit cake that said ‘Alzheimer’s Society’ on it.”

The retirement home chose to support the charity as 28 of its 79 patients suffer from the condition, which can cause memory loss.

Entertainment at the event was provided by jazz pianist Adam Lancaster.  

The party was also attended by Councillor Sandra Parnell, a keen supporter and regular visitor of the home.

She said: “Everyone seemed to have a truly fantastic time at the tea party today. I am thrilled I got to be a part of it.

“When I found out how much money was raised from the barbecue, I was very impressed.
“I love coming here. When you smile they smile, so it is worth it every time.”

Julie Woolf, who works for the home, said: “We are used to raising around £30 from our charity events, so when we saw we had raised £700 we were absolutely amazed.

“Everyone had a great time at the barbecue and really enjoyed themselves today.”