A TEIGNMOUTH man living with dementia has held what he believes will be his final charity fundraiser after raising around £70,000 alongside his wife over many years.

John Pearce organised a cream tea afternoon at the Benevolent Lodge Masonic Hall on Thursday, September 24, in aid of The Young Ones – a community support group for younger people living with dementia.

The hall was packed during the afternoon, with guests coming and going between 2pm and 4pm.

Among those attending was Teignmouth Deputy Mayor, Councillor Joan Atkins.

Visitors were treated to cream teas provided by local café Brunch, while cabaret singer Peta Howell provided entertainment.

There was also a raffle featuring a variety of prizes, including a hamper worth around £100 donated by Dart & Partners.

For John, the event had a particularly personal meaning.

Having been living with dementia for some years, he wanted to continue raising money and awareness for others living with the condition.

But after years of organising fundraising events, he admitted that this could be his last.

‘I think this will probably be the last one I organise myself’, John said.

‘With my dementia now, these events take too much out of me, but I am still keen to help and be involved’.

John’s efforts were supported by Worshipful Master Damian Pope, who helped him organise the event.

Mr Pope said: ‘John’s amazing. And, as Worshipful Master, I’m happy to assist John in organising the charity event.

‘John’s got a form of dementia himself, so it’s something that’s particularly close to him.

‘Charity and service to the community are a big part of the Masons and everything else that comes with it, so it's a pretty significant part of what we do.

'The way I like to describe the Masons to people, is that it's about making good men better!’