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QF Focus Magazine


Dear Editor, AWESOME is a much-maligned word freely thrown about nowadays by youngsters. But it is a word that describes Matilde Sanchez and her work as president and co-founder of the local Alzheimer’s Association that reaches out to patients and


families in the Vega Baja area. Since 2004 she has been indefatigable in building up the association, organising


volunteers and professionals alike, thinking up new projects, urging others to become involved, raising funds – or rather chasing up funding. Her inspiration has always been the period in her life watching her husband fade away as another Alzheimer’s victim. She understands the anguish of families who grapple with the difficulties of caring for a patient, with its many frustrations and dismay watching a loved personality dissolve. Matilde is reluctantly stepping down now as president of the AFA, because the job and workload requires someone with a bit more energy than she has at her age in life when so many others are happy to sit at home knitting. She is well known by almost everyone, being stopped by people in the street for a quick word, chasing municipal officials for the use of buildings for some sort of fund raising event. She is on first name terms with mayors and peons working in town hall premises. Being bi-lingual Matilde has been a bridge between the Spanish and the expatriates of various nations, but especially the British. Rather like the Scarlet Pimpernel she has been here, there and everywhere accepting donations for AFA whether it be from an association, a concert or show, an art exhibition or individuals who want to be part of a very important venture in Torrevieja area. She is frequently badgering others with ideas for fundraising events. All this requires a great deal of energy, which Matilde generates inspiring others, but it has been taking its toll on her recently. The British community has been a mainstay in supporting many charitable organisations in Spain and Alzheimer’s Family Association is one that needs to be continually supported. Matilde has pushed for a Day Centre, a charity shop and another project, a 24-hour residence still at planning stage. Her experience over many years in the textile “rag” industry has meant she has been meticulous in the selection of clothing for sale at the shop with a high standard not found elsewhere. Clothing rejected has still been used as it has been passed on to other charity shops. I hope that this wonderful AFA support will continue among the British and welcome Puri Garcia who is now president of the association. Another lovely lady, who has been associated for several years with AFA, as a vocal on the governing body. She speaks and understand some English but will be helped by Juande whose contact number is 636 410 708 Through your pages I would like to pay honour to this AWESOME lady and wish her a bit of relaxation and quality time in this new phase of her life. Thank you Matilde, it has been a pleasure being associated with you. Andy Ormiston


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