Okehampton family raises over £7,000 in country’s biggest dementia fundraiser

An emotional community golf event in Okehampton has been named the largest Dementia UK fundraiser in England, after raising more than £7,000 to support families affected by dementia.

The event, held at Okehampton Golf Club, was organised by Paul Rattenbury, whose wife Wendy was diagnosed with dementia at the age of just 60. The family-led fundraiser formed part of Dementia UK’s nationwide 36 Hole Challenge, which invites golfers across the country to take on two full rounds in a single day to raise money for the charity.

More than 40 golfers took part in the Okehampton event, supported by local businesses and residents, with donations flooding in both on and off the course.

Paul was joined by his sons, including Matthew Rattenbury, an assistant manager and dispensing optician at Specsavers Plymouth, which also contributed to the fundraising total with a donation.

Matthew said: “It went fantastically well. To raise so much money for such a wonderful charity is fantastic. It was a long day but so worth it. Everyone really got behind the event. It was a very emotional occasion, especially for my dad, but we’re all really pleased to have been able to donate such a large amount of money for Dementia UK and to raise awareness about this terrible condition.”

Matthew explained that his mother’s condition had developed rapidly since her diagnosis, forcing the family to adapt to enormous challenges.

“It’s not been a good two years. There have been a lot of changes. Dad couldn’t work and look after her, so she’s gone into a home. It’s been really tough for us all. It’s hard to watch someone you care about be affected like this, and of course there are many thousands of families that are going through the same thing.”

According to NHS Devon and Dementia UK, more than 14,000 people are currently living with dementia in Devon - a figure projected to rise to over 24,000 by 2036 as the population ages.

Matthew said the event was about both raising money and giving back to an organisation that had supported his family throughout Wendy’s illness.

“Dementia is awful for the person who has it, as well as for their friends and family, so every penny raised really does count. Dementia UK supported dad throughout the development of mum’s condition, so he wanted to give something back to them.

“All the funds we’ve raised will go towards paying for the specialist help and advice for those who need it. An £8 donation can cover the telephone costs of two families seeking support through Dementia UK’s free Helpline, and £33 could fund an hour with a dementia specialist Admiral Nurse, helping a family with practical solutions and emotional support.

“No-one should have to face dementia alone, so all the support for our 36 Hole Challenge will be life-changing for many people.”

The family’s remarkable efforts have not only helped to raise vital funds but also brought much-needed attention to the daily struggles faced by carers and families across Devon.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can still donate at:
https://fundraise.dementiauk.org/s/6900/6994/w