A WOKINGHAM community group has pledged to learn how to knit as part of a unique challenge to raise awareness of Lewy body dementia.
Roderick Stevens is joining A Scarf for Lewy, an effort which will see the 244m circumference of the Royal Albert Hall wrapped in adjoined scarves.
The Lewy Body Society’s event takes place on Thursday, September 22.
Mr Stevens, who has never knitted before, said: “I heard about [the challenge] from Jayne Streak who works for The Link Visiting Scheme and Friendship Alliance.
“Dementia is such a terrible disease, it has affected members of my family and the effects are devastating.
“Helping to knit a scarf for the Albert Hall is a fun thing to do and, as I cannot knit, it will also be a real challenge for me.
“My mum is very much a handy-crafts person and she has said she will try to teach me. It will be fun for us to have this as a project to do together.”
The charity is calling for volunteers to send in homemade scarves of any colour, material, pattern or length.
Submissions must be one foot wide and mailed to 81 Harrington Lane, EX4 8NS by Monday, August 15.
Those who are unable to knit can donate a scarf they no longer need, so long as it is in good condition and the correct width.
Once received, all scarves will be sewn together and transported to the Royal Albert Hall for the wrapping event.
Afterwards, they will be taken down, separated and offered to homelessness and refugee groups.
Jayne Streak is the project lead for the Friendship Alliance, which helps tackle loneliness in Wokingham borough, particularly among older residents.
Her work helps individuals identify nearby community groups within the alliance, which are verified as safe and welcoming.
One of those places is Arborfield Social Club, where Ms Streak was able to garner interest for the upcoming challenge.
She said: “It was actually a chance remark to be honest. I mentioned it to them and they said they’d never heard of it.
“We had a chat about Lewy body dementia and about the challenge itself, and they thought it would be a good way to encourage people to do something and harness a sense of community.
“The Brownies had some leftover wool from the Jubilee, so it just worked.”
Despite being the second most common type of dementia in older people, it is less well-known than Alzheimer’s.
The two diseases require distinct support and treatment.
According to the charity, Lewy body dementia is often misdiagnosed and can be very challenging to live with.
A statement on the charity’s website read: “We want more people to know about Lewy body dementia so that those affected get better support, and there is more scientific research into the disease.
“We need as many people to get involved with this unique challenge and you can help by knitting a scarf, and by posting your support on social media with the hashtag #AScarfForLewy.”
Mr Stevens is the organiser of the Arborfield Social Club, helping residents bond over activities and conversation.
He said: “I have been organising the Arborfield Social Club for a few years now, but Covid really set us back.
“We do different things, including art, books and games, but mostly we share food and gossip.
“It is important in this busy world full of technology and distractions to just slow down and take the time to get to know people. I have made some great friends and we all look out for each other and try to be helpful.”
Mr Stevens plans to attend the wrapping event at the Royal Albert Hall, expressing a desire to “be a part of the community spirit that made it happen”.
For more information about the challenge, visit: www.lewybody.org/a-scarf-for-lewy
