Wallace and Gromit creators behind moving dementia campaign

A company headed by Preston-born Nick Park has created a moving animated campaign that explores a Christmas without Santa, who has 'forgotten' the festive season due to the effects of dementia.

The campaign, called Santa Forgot, has been launched by Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK) and created by Wallace and Gromit makers, Aardman Animations.

The animation follows a young girl named Freya, who on learning of Santa’s condition travels to the North Pole to recruit Santa’s elves as researchers, because she believes that “if Santa has a disease, research can find a way to fix it”.

It is narrated by Stephen Fry and was launched on TV screens last night.

Narrator Fry said: “From the moment I was told about Santa Forgot I wanted to lend my support - it is an inspiring and beautiful take on a Christmas tale.

“I urge people up and down the country to get behind the campaign so we can fuel the fight against dementia and take a step forward to making it history.”