Charities

You may have heard me talk on ‘This Morning’ about my Dad Dennis having Alzheimer’s disease, and it’s because of him that I support the Alzheimer’s Society.

I was flattered and delighted when they asked me to become an official Ambassador for the Society and I accepted without hesitation.

 

When I first spoke about my Dad on the television I got very emotional and broke down in tears – the Alzheimer’s Society contacted me soon after that, offering me and my family advice and support. When people are first diagnosed with this awful illness they and their families are often in shock and feel bewildered and isolated - the Alzheimer’s Society can help them in so many ways even if it’s just a sympathetic ear. My Mum joined her local group in Plymouth and she found it so helpful to meet other people in a similar situation and to know she wasn’t alone.

 

Click HERE to read an article published in the Daily Mail about my break down on This Morning

 

 

 

 

Fund raising

As an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society I try to support as many fundraising events as I can. I know that any money I raise myself, or by sponsoring other people, helps provide support for those suffering today and also goes towards the vital research to find a cure for this terrible illness.

 

 

 

 

Last May I took part in the BUPA London 10K run with my best friend Sam. We had a wonderful time and although I found the whole experience pretty exhausting, the spectators rallied us to the finish line and we managed to raise nearly £4,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. Thank you SO much to everyone who donated so generously – it means a huge amount to me personally but more importantly it helps fund research into finding a cure for this awful illness. It’s probably too late for my Dad, but I like to think we might be helping to find a cure for people in the future.

 

 

 

In September last year my Mum, sister and I also took part in the BUPA Great Capital run around Regent’s Park in London. Once again we had a great day out with lots of support and encouragement from the spectators and even managed to cross the finish line without any blisters or injuries! The three of us also took part in a Memory Walk in Godstone, Surrey in September. We had a fantastic turn out, the sun shone and we raised lots of money once again, so thank you.

 

 

 

Kevin Whatley

I know how difficult it is to talk publicly about a family member having Alzheimer’s so I felt very privileged that actor Kevin Whatley agreed to come on This Morning and talk about his beloved Mum having the disease.

Kevin wanted to highlight the importance of getting an early diagnosis and also help people to understand the often severe problems associated with dementia. He is a charming man and it was a pleasure to meet him and help him tell his Mum’s story. You can watch Kevin on This Morning in player to the right.