A NORTH-EAST businesswoman believes visits to a wildlife sanctuary are helping her mother to cope with dementia.

Environmental Consultant Sharon Lashley, of Easington, County Durham, said her mother Jenny, 80, “lights up” around the birds and otters at Washington Wetland Centre.

Sharon, 51, who is director of Enviro UK Consultants and North-East the National Association of Women in Construction (Nawic). said: “I noticed a big difference in mam’s behaviour when I visited the centre with her.

“She seemed much more alert. It was like I had my old mam back.

“Now we come to feed the birds and watch the otters at play up to three times a week. I’m convinced it helps.

“It’s a lovely, relaxed environment and she always leaves with a smile on her face.”

Widow Jenny, of Sunderland, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease around eight years ago.

Now Sharon is determined to raise awareness of dementia and has enlisted the help of her professional contacts.

Nawic is hosting a charity ball at Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham, on Friday, October 14, with proceeds from a raffle going to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Sharon said: “I’m thrilled that this year’s Nawic annual ball will be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society.

“The charity does some excellent work in providing services for people living with dementia – mam and I have been to one of the dementia cafes it runs and our Dementia Nurse Karen has helped us enormously over the years.

“There are still tickets left for the ball but they’re selling fast. “We have an excellent selection of raffle prizes too but can always use more, so if anyone wishes to donate a prize they should get in touch.”

Lucy King, Alzheimer’s Society Community Fundraiser, said: “We’re so grateful to Nawic for its support.

“Its annual charity ball is a prestigious event so to be chosen as its beneficiary is a real honour.”

Tickets for a table of 10 cost £500, but individual tickets priced £50 each are also available.

• Further details can be obtained by emailing leanne@cene.org.uk or visit nawic.co.uk/index.php/events/forthcoming-events