Memory calendar marks a decade of support

Photographer Chris Andrews (left) developed the memory calendar designed by Keith Horncastle (right) for his wife Val (centre)

A calendar designed to help people with dementia is marking 10 years of support.

The memory calendar, published by Oxford photographer Chris Andrews, has raised £8,900 for an Alzheimer's and a baby loss charity since 2014.

The calendar, originally designed by Keith Horncastle for his wife Val, shows one day at a time for people to enter important life events on each page.

Sarah Swift, Alzheimer's Society manager for Oxford, said it was "really important" for people living with dementia to use practical items for their independence.

Mr Horncastle, from Buxton in Derbyshire, designed the first memory calendar out of a small notepad while trying to help his wife, who was living with dementia.

He contacted Mr Andrews in 2012 as the late couple used to purchase his "excellent" wall calendar and asked if he would develop it, said the photographer.

He started printing and selling it through his publishing company in 2014 and it has been raising money for Alzheimer’s Society and Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (Sands) since.

Carers, family members, or those cared for, can use it to enter important notes for each day such as events, appointments and anniversaries.

Mr Andrews said he was "delighted" it was helping people in their daily lives, "as well as raising funds to help alleviate the condition".

He said: "While I have worked for over 40 years in our own business, this little calendar, which uses our design and production skill but supports others, gives us all great pleasure."

Sands CEO Clea Harmer said the memory calendar "could be of great help" to bereaved parents or grandparents affected by Alzheimer's.

"Being able to note important anniversaries and for their partner or other family members to use this as a conversation starter to talk about their baby or babies who died," she said.

Ms Swift said practical items "such as this calendar" to support people living with dementia with their independence was "really important".