Over 300 gather raising nearly £4,000 for The Killie Community and Alzheimer Scotland

Over 300 people gathered at the Park Hotel on Sunday, raising nearly £4,000 for two local charities that make a real difference to the lives of those affected by dementia.

The joint fundraiser, organised by The Killie Community and Alzheimer Scotland, brought music and laughter in support of older people living with early onset dementia—and the carers and families who support them. Funds raised from the afternoon have been split equally between the two organisations and will directly benefit local programmes such as Football Memories and its weekly ‘WAGS’ group.

These vital initiatives—delivered in partnership every week between The Killie Community Hub at Rugby Park, and Alzheimer Scotland’s resource centre at College Wynd — support men living with dementia through football-themed reminiscence therapy, while offering their wives and carers a separate wellbeing group at the same time. It’s a unique initiative and rare chance for both groups to receive tailored support, and the impact is deeply felt.

“The weekly group has been life-changing for my sister,” one local carer shared. “She cares almost full-time for her husband, Alan. When he’s at Football Memories, he becomes more talkative and ‘aware’— talking away about old Killie players and Scotland matches.”

Entertainment on the day came courtesy of Joan’s Angels and The Ayrshire Ukes, who had the room singing, dancing, and clapping along to classics from the past. Guests were treated to a selection of teas, coffees, sandwiches, and cakes, served throughout the afternoon by The Park Hotel team.

The event was co-ordinated by Sheena Boyd and her team at Alzheimer Scotland’s Kilmarnock centre,  and Mandy Bowie of The Killie Community, who worked tirelessly to bring the day together and ensure every guest was made to feel welcome.

Both charities have thanked the local community for their generosity, which will help them continue to grow these much-needed services for families across Ayrshire.