American singer-songwriter Cody Pennington is set to provide a welcome musical boost to the Forget-Me-Not Dementia Campaign.

The acoustic guitarist and vocalist, originally from Nashville, Tennessee, will be headlining a special charity gig at The Apex, in Bury St Edmunds, on August 16.

All money raised will go to the appeal, which is being run by West Suffolk Hospital in conjunction with the East Anglian Daily Times and its sister paper, The Mercury.

The idea of the campaign is to raise £25,000 to enhance facilities for dementia patients while they are on the hospital’s acute wards.

The cash will also help to improve the support and care provided to patients and their families at West Suffolk, by funding a memory walk to create a calm and comforting area for patients with dementia. In addition, it will help purchase reminiscence materials and enable a day room to be kitted out.

Cody Pennington, who lives in Bury and works as a medical technician at RAF Lakenheath hospital, will also launch his new album of self-penned tracks, entitled To Be Me at the Apex gig.

Beginning his musical journey at the tender age of 13, Cody has steadily built up a loyal following over the past 10 years through extensive touring along the eastern seaboard of America, the north and south of Turkey, the city streets of Athens and beyond, performing up to 100 gigs per year.

Since he started playing here last December, he has fast become a favourite on the East Anglian music scene with his own brand of “acoustic driven folk pop” and is renowned for his energetic live performances. Alongside his busy gig schedule, he frequently supports local talent and charities, including the forthcoming show for the Forget-Me-Not appeal.

He said: “I work in a hospital so I was very keen to get involved with fundraising for West Suffolk. I have also been around lots of people with dementia so that solidified the decision to perform this gig. I am really looking forward to it.”

Sleeve Of Hearts and Dean Austin will be appearing alongside Cody Pennington at the Apex. The show starts at 7pm and tickets are £10. Visit www.theapex.co.uk or call the box office on 01284 758000 for more details.

Meanwhile, to donate directly to the Forget-Me-Not campaign, visit www.justgiving.com/forgetmenotcampaign or you can give in person at any of The East Anglian Daily Times offices.

Cheques should be made payable to Archant and marked on the back “Forget-Me-Not Appeal” and sent to 11 Woolhall Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP32 1LA.

Anyone who would like follow Cody’s lead and fundraise for the campaign can email Dave Gooderham or call him on 01284 712952 or