The Defying Dementia Student Society is a dedicated team of student volunteers at Lancaster University, who each year aim to raise awareness of and money for Defying Dementia, our research into neurodegenerative diseases. The funds raised through their activities go directly to our research team who are working hard to find a cure for neurodegenerative diseases at Lancaster. The Society holds a range of events throughout the academic year and during 2021/2022, the society raised £1,941.76 for Defying Dementia through a number of fundraising events. These events have included an annual Santa Dash, a Valentine’s Day roses sale, thrift shops, mystery DVD and book sales and bingo nights and quizzes. They have also offered students a number of opportunities to meet the researchers and Defying Dementia volunteers through lab tours and coffee mornings. The society are very proud to have been presented with a Fundraising and Volunteering award by the Students’ Union.

We asked what being part of the Student Society means to the members and below are responses from two of our students:

“The society has been an integral part of my student experience since I started in 2019. It has given me the chance to help the Lancaster community and develop my own skills through volunteering. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a member and on the executive committee, so much so that I have signed up again for next year!” Ffion Jones (President)

“The meaning of becoming part of our society to me is developing the ability to help others. I also enjoy interacting with the other members and guests.” Carol He (Vice President)

Next Year, the student society aim to raise funds for Defying Dementia by growing past successful events and developing new exciting fundraisers. They also hope to create ties with other student societies to deliver collaborative events. A key aim of the society is to create stronger links with the research team and the Defying Dementia charity shop in Lancaster city centre, to ensure that they are doing as much as possible to raise money for the research to take place. We cannot wait to see what the society get up to next year, they are making a huge difference to research into Alzheimer’s Disease here at Lancaster.

A big thank you to the Defying Dementia Student Society from the research team

“Over the last year we, the researchers, have sought to enhance communication of our findings to members of the Defying Dementia Student Society by presenting talks to them and opening our laboratories for them to see exactly how their efforts are helping our work. Going forward, we consider it essential that we expand on these efforts in feeding back on our research, not just to the Student Society, but to all those involved in fundraising for Defying Dementia.” Dr Edward Parkin

“Thank you to the Defying Dementia Student Society for all your efforts – long may they continue and we look forward to working together next year in our efforts to Defy Dementia!”

Dr Neil Dawson, Dr Cheryl Hawkes and Dr Edward Parkin