Celebrities Send a Signature to Eastbourne for Dementia Support
Famous faces from entertainment, sports and politics in the UK and overseas have contributed to Signature at Eastbourne’s five-month letter writing campaign to inspire residents and visitors. 80 residents, embarked on ‘A Signature for Signature’ The campaign has seen the care home write to a host of renowned public figures requesting a signed photo, or letter, acting as their symbol of solidarity and support to the care home.
Its purpose is to provide residents, their relatives and loved ones an uplifting contribution, and to demonstrate that public figures have taken the time to think of and support them in Signature at Eastbourne’s dementia community.
Sara Connor, Activities and Volunteers Coordinator, at Signature at Eastbourne, who has led the project, says the response from so many famous faces has proved heart-warming.
She said: “To see so many people from the public eye take time out of their schedules to send their photos and best wishes is very gratifying. Dementia does not discriminate, and we are all in this together.
In fact, many of those who wrote to us may have a personal connection to this condition. The feature wall is to provide a visual representation and reminder to everybody of the sense of unity there is to help our dementia residents live a life as independent as possible, for as long as possible. We are hoping that some of those faces will pop in to see their signature on the wall at our home. They are welcome to pay us a visit at any time to see the meaning their signature has.”
Ian Turnbull, General Manager at Signature at Eastbourne, said: “This is such a wonderful initiative, led by Sara our Activities Coordinator. Her passion for her work and the residents is incredible and has shown through her determination to make this project work; A Signature for Signature is a clever way to show support from faces many people at Signature at Eastbourne will recognize from TV, film and beyond.
Signature at Eastbourne released a new signature each day of the Month of October showing all of the famous faces that have taken the time to join our campaign.
Some famous faced replies were:
Dame Judy Dench
British National Treasure. Regarded as one of Britain’s best actresses.
Holding the signed photographs is resident Derek, when asked for a comment Derek replied, “A marvelous actress and so versatile on the big screen and the stage”.
Sir Elton John
English Singer, Pianist & Composer.
Holding the Signed Photograph is care team member Jayne, when asked for a comment Jayne replied, “I still have the album Captain Fantastic & The Brown Dirt Cowboy I brought in 1971. I also have the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road album, I still play these to this day. I saw the Lion King in London and most recently enjoyed Elton’s collaborations with Dua Lipa & Britney Spears.
King Charles III
We received a special correspondence from His Majesty King Charles III.
Here at Signature at Eastbourne we wrote to Buckingham Palace to send our condolences to His Majesty and members of the Royal Family after the very sad passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
We were delighted to receive a card of thanks from King Charles III, thanking us for our thoughtful word of comfort.
Sir Mo Farah
The most successful British track athlete in modern Olympic Games history. Holding the Signed Photographs is team member Georgie, when asked for a comment Georgie replied, “What a fantastic athlete!”
Rod Stewart
British Rock & Pop singer, songwriter Rod Stewart is among the best-selling music artists of all time, having sold over 250 million records worldwide.
Holding the signed photograph is concierge team member Paula. When asked for a comment Paula replied “I watched him at the Queen Jubilee this year, he still sounds great”.
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