(thishampshire.net, Dec. 29, Chris Yandell)

BEST-selling author Terry Pratchett has helped raise £760 for the New Forest branch of the Alzheimer’s Society.

A signed copy of a book by the popular writer, who has recently been diagnosed with a rare form of Alzheimer’s, was auctioned at the Woodside Lodge residential home in Bransgore.

Woodside manager Natasha Ketchen said: “I met Terry at a conference and was delighted when he agreed to sign one of his books, Making Money.

“He’s an excellent ambassador for the society and is trying to remove the stigma faced by people with dementia.”

David High, manager of the New Forest branch of the society, said: “Woodside Lodge are great supporters of the branch and have raised more than £1,200 for us this year.

“We will be using the money to help set up new art and music groups and to fund a fourth outreach worker.”

See signed Terry Pratchett titles at www.vjbooks.com