SOMERSET writer Angie Cox raised more than £2,000 at the launch party for her fundraising book, Forget-Me-Not, near South Petherton.

Some 85 people joined Angie to celebrate the publication of her book of memories at a launch party at Wigborough Manor in Somerset. Over 100 books were sold on the day and a silent auction of paintings and photographs by local artists raised a further £650 with all profits going to Alzheimer’s Research UK. Forget-Me-Not is a collection of stories, poems and illustrations collated by Angie following her own family’s experience of dementia. Angie’s mother-in-law Nina was a vibrant, community-focused lady who passed away in February after a six year battle with Alzheimer’s that left her unable to communicate.

The book is testament to Angie’s determination to channel her frustrations into something positive and she aims to raise over £15,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK.

A number of famous names have added their contributions to the book, including: Sir Cliff Richard, who recalls a memory of his mother when she fails to recognise him dressed as Heathcliff; Michael Eavis CBE, founder of the Glastonbury Festival, who tells of a chance encounter with the local baker which led to the start of this now world famous music event; Deborah Meaden, of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den, who explains her lifelong love of horses and how it influenced her attitude to business; and fashion designer Alice Temperley, who recalls growing up in rural Somerset on her father’s cider farm.

Angie Cox said, “I’ve been overwhelmed by the support and generosity of the people who came to support the launch.”

The Forget-Me-Not book of memories, published by Berkshire Academic Press, priced £14.99, is available from selected bookshops across Somerset, including the Yeovil and Taunton branches of Waterstones, or can be ordered online via Amazon or the official website www.forget-me-not-book.co.uk