WHEN Mere resident, Jane Donohoe, got in touch with Dementia Friendly Gillingham recently, it was with a special request to ask whether she could donate one of the therapy ‘companion kittens’ to someone with early memory loss or dementia, in memory of her dear mum in law, who had recently passed away.

By coincidence, only a few days previously, a care support worker, had sent a lovely letter to Dementia Friendly Gillingham, to nominate a very worthy lady, Christine Coombes, to receive a therapy ‘kitten’ if one ever became available.

Companion kittens are fluffy toys that look, feel and sound like the real thing. They work to destress people and are often seen in care homes.

Anne Kings from Dementia Friendly Gillingham, contacted Jane and explained why a black and white ‘companion kitten’ would fill a huge void in Christine’s life, and Jane was delighted that a perfect recipient had been found.

It was all kept a secret from Christine, and the surprise presentation was made by Jane, during a Dementia Friendly Gillingham session of ‘Music for You’ at St Martin’s House last week.

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