FOR a few hours a week it gives a much needed boost for people and their families in the grip of a debilitating illness.

But now a therapy group for dementia sufferers is under threat of closure unless £10,000 is raised to save it.

Volunteers and staff have launched a last ditch fundraising bid to raise the cash by the end of this month when current funding dries up.

The money is to pay for a trained staff member to run the group at Mayfield Nurseries in Weston, Southampton, which uses gardening as therapy for those who have dementia.

Recent estimates suggest that there are more than 2,300 people suffering in Southampton from dementia. The incurable disease not only affects people’s ability to think and feel, as it progresses it inhibits the ability to perform basic tasks.

The Forget-me-not gardening group runs twice a week and sees members help with various tasks around the nursery including potting up plants, building garden ornaments and looking after plants and shrubs.

According to Solent Mind, the parent organisation which runs the nurseries, the therapy is shown to help people to cope with the condition. They say that through the regular exercise, focus and community the group provides, dramatic improvements have been seen in the lives of the people who use it.

Dozens of families will be affected by the gardening group’s closure and according to Solent Mind more families have already been turned away due to the group’s uncertain future.

Richard Barritt, chief executive of Solent Mind, said it was a vital support to many dementia sufferers and their families.

He said: “It’s one of the only a handful of specialist groups for people in Southampton with dementia.

“The funds raised will go toward providing support to the many volunteers who run the group and one expert paid staff member. Please support us and help save the group.”

Mayfield Nurseries, which is not under threat, uses gardening therapy to help a number of people who suffer from a range of mental health illnesses.

A number of fundraisers are being help to try and raise the money needed which will keep the group running for another year.

Donate at mayfieldnurseries.org.uk or ring 023 8044 7743.

Case study: David 

David was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, a form of dementia when he was just 52.

With the support of volunteers, David does different things every week, from potting plants up, to making things for sale in the garden centre. Over Christmas he was helped with the support of volunteers to construct a bird table as a gift to his wife.

His wife Debbie said: “His diagnosis was a big blow to us. The group has been a godsend to us and we haven’t looked back since. If he could go five days a week, he would.

“He always comes home with new stories of things they have done, people he has met, conversations he has had. It’s different company to him. He has laughs with everyone, and even customers have got to know him.

“These people do an amazing job. They are always there for a chat, advice and support. It can be hard work, but it is all done with the love they have for helping the sufferers and their families.”