Published 6/9/2026 By William Turtle-Clark

A Herefordshire charity has raised over £50,000 to purchase a new vehicle to support residents living with dementia and their families.

Dementia Matters Herefordshire launched its new multi-van, named Myvanwy, during an event at The New Inn in Pembridge on 22 July.

The charity, established in January 2020, provides local support for people with dementia and mild cognitive impairment, as well as their carers. Its services include a telephone support line, memory cafés, carer groups, individual support, care home assistance, and community development.

Funding for the vehicle was provided by several organisations, including the Friends of Herefordshire Alzheimer's and Dementia Sufferers, The Clive Richards Foundation, The Garfield Weston Foundation, and the Herefordshire Community Fund.

Additional funds were raised through a golf event at The Herefordshire Golf Club in Wormsley, alongside a music quiz and raffle in Pembridge. Individual donations and a JustGiving page raised a further £3,000.

The unveiling was attended by representatives of donor organisations, alongside the Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley, Herefordshire Council chairman Roger Phillips, and North Herefordshire MP Ellie Chowns.

Myvanwy replaces the charity's previous vehicle, Molly the CAMbus, allowing for increased flexibility when running outings across rural areas.

A spokesperson for Dementia Matters Herefordshire said the vehicle will enable staff to reach individuals across the county to provide support, build local connections, and help create "lots of wonderful new memories along the way".