PEOPLE across Newport are being urged by the mayor and mayoress of the city to join a new group set up to raise money for the charity Alzheimer’s Research UK.

The Alzheimer’s Research UK Newport Group, formed by city resident Margaret Chaplin, is the first of its kind in Wales.

The group is now seeking members from the area to help them in their mission to boost funds for vital dementia research.

Ms Chaplin, 64, is the secretary for the group and knows only too well the life-changing impact dementia can have on individuals and their families as her mother, Winnie, passed away with Alzheimer’s disease in 2001.

She said: "Research into Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias is the only way we’re going to find a cure and currently there’s not enough money being invested."

She is urging anyone interested in joining the group to contact her.

"We have a number of events lined up for this year, including further supermarket collections following a really successful day at Morrisons in Rogerstone," she added.

"We’re also making plans for 2016. The more members we have, the more money we will be able to raise for Alzheimer’s Research UK.”

The mayor of Newport, Councillor Herbie Thomas, said: “I am extremely proud that Newport has become the first city in Wales to have its own Alzheimer’s Research UK fundraising group.

"This group will raise vital funds for dementia research and also help to raise awareness of the condition – something which will contribute greatly to my ambition to make Newport a dementia friendly city.”

There are 43,500 people across Wales living with dementia.

Zoe Baggott, Regional Fundraising Officer at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We hope people across the city and the surrounding area will come on board to help raise money for pioneering dementia research.

"The funds raised by the group will bring our scientists ever closer to finding improved forms of diagnosis, preventions and much-needed new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia."

Anyone interested in joining the Alzheimer’s Research UK Newport Group or finding out more information should contact Margaret Chaplin at ARUKNewportSW@yahoo.com or call Zoe Baggott on 07469 852 501.