“HOW can I go to heaven if I don't know who I am?” says Ernest to his daughter Lynne when his niggling and worsening memory problems are finally diagnosed as Alzheimer’s Disease.

But Ernest has a plan: to leave an imprint of who he is, and Lynne is to be the keeper of his memory, the guardian of their past.

The Last Memory is a poignant play inspired by the true story of a daughter caring for her father. It follows their journey, and their fears, smiles, strength and tears, as they seize the final memory, and a moment of hope.

The thought-provoking drama, by Bradford playwright, Alan Stockdill of Talking Stock Productions, is heading for Bingley Arts Centre's Studio, and will raise funds for Dementia Friendly Keighley.

The Last Memory was inspired by the late Edwin Harrison, the ‘Ernest’ character. It includes stories, letters and memories from Edwin's family. Playing Ernest’s daughter, Lynne, is Talking Stock producer Catherine Pasek, who was Edwin’s daughter. Catherine's late parents were each in different nursing homes suffering with late stage dementia. She lost both parents within six weeks of each other, in 2016.

“This piece of writing is from the heart,” says Catherine. “Dad had this awful disease for 17 years - but despite the diagnosis and situation, we aim to show how it’s possible to extract joy out of the pain and laughter from the tears.”

Talking Stock first performed The Last Memory in 2013 at Halifax Festival. Earlier this year it was seen by an NHS Trust chief executive who requested performances for NHS staff, including GPs, nurses and occupational therapists. Next month the company will perform the play for the NHS Leadership Academy in Leeds, for senior professionals and health chiefs.

"Dementia Friendly Keighley is delighted that Talking Stock has chosen us as their nominated charity,” says the charity's Project Administrator, Helen Charters. “I anticipate that not only will this be a wonderful evening of entertainment, but also a personal insight into the challenges of living with dementia that will raise awareness and support the message underpinning our work.”

Talking Stock produces "compelling theatre with a loving heart and a loud voice". The company has raised over £26,000 for such organisations as Alzheimer’s Society, NSPCC, Macmillan Cancer Support, Age UK, Bradford Cathedral Artspace, Manorlands Hospice, Dementia UK and Sporting Memories Network, and helped to fund Memory Cafés around the region and Ilkley's Dementia Friends group.

* The Last Memory is at Bingley Arts Centre's Studio, Sunday, September 23 at 7.30pm. The one-act piece will be followed by a Q&A with the writer/director and actors. Call (01274) 567983 or visit ticketsource.co.uk

It is at Sowerby Bridge Working Men’s Club on Friday, October 5 and Hebden Bridge Little Theatre on Friday, October 12. Call Catherine on 07785 530129.