KEIGHLEY customers have again demonstrated their generosity by helping to raise more than £1,200 for Dementia Friendly Keighley (DFK).

Airedale Shopping Centre has supported DFK since June 2018, when it announced the organisation would be the centre’s charity of the year.

Since then, many events and activities have been organised to generate much-needed money for the service DFK offers.

Steve Seymour, Airedale Shopping Centre manager, said: “Our various fundraising campaigns have generated more than we could have hoped for.

"Our shoppers have really engaged with each and every activity and their generosity has proved to be overwhelming.

“DFK has become a vital support for so many Keighley residents and businesses.

"Since the organisation started it has gone from strength to strength. Now, with the exciting investment it has received from The Big Lottery Fund, it will be able to increase its services.

"We're very excited for DFK’s future here at the centre and are honoured to be a part of this journey.”

The charity provides support to people living with dementia along with advice and information.

Located in Airedale Shopping Centre's Brunswick Arcade, it offers a drop-in service, giving carers a place to safely leave their loved ones for a few hours on a Thursday.

Additional funding secured by the charity has allowed its office to open from 10am till 2pm on Saturdays as well.

Maggie Marsden, community fundraiser for DFK, said: “Steve and the team at Airedale have gone above and beyond in their support of us and that’s reflected in how much has been raised at the centre by its fantastic shoppers.

"The money will make a difference to our visitors who get so much out of our services. I’d like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who was involved. I've been blown away by the generosity of the people of Keighley.”

For more information on DFK, visit dementiaaction.org.uk. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact the DFK office on 07452 773788 or drop in at 29 Brunswick Arcade, Airedale Centre.