A DAUGHTER whose mum lives with Alzheimer’s is calling for support for a fundraising charity ball, in the hope of finding a cure.

Zoe Higginson, from Wickford, was inspired to fundraise for Alzheimer’s Research UK by her mum Joanne, who has a rare form of early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, and is cared for at home by the 25-year-old, her father Will and sister Katie.

Mum Joanne was diagnosed aged 45.

Zoe said: “There’s no-one like your mum and watching her deteriorate is so hard. You lose the person that you always had there. My mum was my best friend, always very bubbly and outgoing.”

The charity ball, which will be held at Reid’s, in Billericay, on October 12, will raise cash for Alzheimer’s Research UK, which carries out research on prevention, diagnosis and treatments for dementia.

Zoe is calling for the support and sponsorship of businesses.

She said: “My mission now is to get in touch with as many businesses as possible that want to support and donate. I’d like to do a big raffle, and a silent auction.”

Last year, Zoe did a tandem skydive with a friend for the charity, which raised more than £1,500.

She added: “It’s very close to home with mum, and my mum is my everything. If I know that I’ve done as much as I can, raising money to try and find a cure, then I’ll be able to say that I’ve done my best. If I sat back and didn’t do anything, I’d wish I’d done more to help.

“I want to raise as much money and awareness as possible. We’ll be selling tickets which include entry, a buffet and a drink on arrival. I hope to get a photographer to take photos of the guests which they can take away with them.”

Holly Noon, Regional Fundraising Officer for Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “We’re so grateful to Zoe for supporting Alzheimer’s Research UK in this way. Fantastic fundraising efforts like this will help us to make life-changing research breakthroughs for people with dementia.”

For more information or to offer your support, contact Zoe on 07939 995249.