Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity received the donation

The Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity purchased music players, radio-controlled clocks and other special equipment to provide therapy and relaxation for dementia patients in their care.

The hefty donation came from SoundCure, a group formed in 2017 by Alex Howell, that aimed to raise funds for people living with dementia.

The idea came after Alex and fellow trustees, Vicky Kemp, Phil Manington, Alix Vince, Phil Riches, Kirstie Damant and Nick Coleman witnessed the therapeutic benefits of music.

Since then, the group has held a series of musical events and quizzes, which all together totalled a staggering £15,131 to benefit patients receiving care at East Suffolk and North Essex Trust.

The money has been used by Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity to buy therapy items, including music players, clocks, learning boards and empathy dolls.

The items will allow patients diagnosed with dementia and delirium to relax and engage with others.

Nick Coleman of Soundcure, and musical director of the Ipswich Hospital Community Choir said: “We are delighted that the money we have raised is being put to such a good use.

"We hope the items which Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity has purchased will bring comfort and reassurance to patients with dementia who are receiving care on the wards.

““We know that music is key to help patients recall events of their past while enabling lost memories to surface again, often after years of being forgotten.”

Mandy Jordan, associate director of charities and voluntary services with ESNEFT, said: “We are incredibly grateful to SoundCure for this fantastic donation.

“It will make such a difference to patients with dementia and delirium by creating audio-visual effects designed to stimulate, engage and relax them.

“We would like to thank everyone at SoundCure for the support they have given to our patients and the staff teams caring for them over the past five years.”