Harpist hosts music event for dementia charity

A harpist is hosting a six-hour musicathon at Oakham Castle to support people with dementia.

Harriet Flather will be joined by a host of local musicians as part of her mission to raise £5,000 for Dementia UK.

She was inspired to support the charity following the death of her grandmother Dorothy three years ago.

Harriet said: “We were lucky that she still remembered who we were but she had lost her dignity and was very unhappy. It frightened her that she couldn’t remember things any more.

“At the time I didn’t really know what Dementia UK did as a charity. By supporting families who are seeing a loved one slip away they can be a real lifeline. We definitely could have benefited from their work as a family. “

Harriet hosted her first musicathon last year which raised £886.. She said: “​The reaction was absolutely amazing.”

This year’s event takes place on Saturday, October 6 at Oakham Castle from 10am until 4pm. Admission is free but donations towards Dementia UK are welcome.

Confirmed artists include Harriet, the Rutland Big Band, Oakham Show Choir, Jordon Poole and Eleni Demetriou.