A PAIR of much-loved former Swindon publicans will be celebrated at a special event to combat Alzheimer's disease.

Chris and Pat Piper used to run the Swiss Chalet and The Kings and became well known among the town's music community.

The couple are about to celebrate their golden wedding anniversary in style. Their daughter, Nicola Newell, has organised a party at Swindon Supermarine on Friday, January 31 that involves local acts such as Beat Routes, Sister Sister, Locomotion and Locarno Beat.

“It was a real community back then, running a pub and everyone loves my parents," said Nicola, 47.

“They did a lot for musicians back in that time. As soon as I bump into someone they always ask 'how's mum?'

“I can’t get across how lovely my mum is.”

Nicola wanted to turn the 50th wedding anniversary event into a fundraiser after her mum was diagnosed with Alzheimer's seven years ago. She feels more needs to be done to fight the disease.

She said: “I wish I was just celebrating the anniversary and not having to fundraise.

“If my mother had been diagnosed earlier we might not have had this situation.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Everyone deserves a cure.”

For Chris, it isn’t the first time someone close to him has been living with the illness.

“My mum had it back in the 80s,” he said. “I know exactly where it’s all going.

“It’s a horrible, evil illness. We want to raise as much money as we can from this event.

“Everyone’s coming together for my dear wife, she’s so popular and people can’t do enough for her. It means a lot to me.”

Chris also revealed the secret to the couple's long and happy marriage.

He told the Adver: “First and foremost, I love my wife. We worked together for many years and she’s a lovely person.

“That’s the main reason why we’ve stayed together so long.”

One of the musicians who is taking part in the night is Pete Townsend from Locarno Beat. He has known the couple since the 90s.

He said: “I’ve known them for a few years, they used to book the band back in the day, and I said of course I’d come along.

“It’s great to be helping old friends and for a good cause.”

The event is free and open to all and is being held at Swindon Supermarine on January 31 at 7pm.

You can also help fundraise by donating at justgiving.com/fundraising/chrisandpatpiper