Personal stories
Our supporters are one of our greatest strengths. Thousands of people across the country are helping us in so many ways by raising money and awareness, giving up their time to volunteer and sharing their personal stories with the media.
We’ve made some of our supporters Champions, in recognition of their outstanding efforts to help us beat dementia.
Pat Boyes
Pat’s late husband, Roland, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s when he was 58. Together they campaigned tirelessly to raise awareness and money for dementia research. Pat continues to give her enduring support to Alzheimer’s Research UK by sharing her experience of caring for Roland.
Harry Everett
Harry has put Alzheimer’s Research UK on the map in Cornwall since he founded the Newquay Support Group in 2006. Harry started the group after his wife Mavis was diagnosed with vascular dementia. Since then he has built up a team of volunteers and supporters and together they have raised awareness and thousands of pounds for pioneering dementia research.
Patrick and Carol Franklin-Adams
Patrick was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2004 at the age of 59 and his love of golf keeps him active. Patrick and his wife Carol are committed supporters of our work at Alzheimer’s Research UK and have raised over £90,000 since 2008 through various fundraising activities. These included a golf tournament and a 100 mile walk along the South Downs Way.
Deborah Gatesman
It was a real bombshell for Deborah’s family when her father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2003 at the age of 74. They’d known something was wrong for some time – he mixed-up his words, struggled with numbers and started to lose the concept of time. But it took two years to get a diagnosis. Determined to do something positive to help, Deborah has raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK and raised awareness by speaking out about her family’s experience.
Jamie and Vicki Graham
Jamie was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2007 at the age of 59. He has had to give up his job and has difficulty with many day-to-day tasks but he finds keeping active really helps. With the encouragement of his wife Vicki, Jamie rowed 22 miles from Eton to Henley in 2010 and 2011 with a veteran crew of oarsmen. The combined events raised over £150,000. The money is being used to fund research looking at a particular protein which increases during exercise, and the possibility that it could protect against Alzheimer’s.
Susie Hewer
Otherwise known as ‘the Extreme Knitting Redhead’, Susie has raised over £20,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK since her mum, Peggy, died with dementia in 2005. As a result, she has 24 marathons to her credit and a Guinness World Record for knitting the longest scarf whilst running a marathon!
Vivienne Hill
Vivienne lost her mum, Mary, to Alzheimer’s in 2010. Since her mum’s diagnosis Vivienne has been a determined campaigner for more investment into dementia research. She has also taken up running and raised thousands of pounds for our pioneering research by cajoling friends and family to join her in the Adidas Women’s 5K Challenge.
Sarah King
Sarah’s husband Andrew was only 43 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2006. It explained the gradual change in his behaviour and the reason he'd started to struggle with his job. He now needs full time care - he can’t talk or walk and is fed by a tube. A committed supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Sarah does everything she can to raise money for vital dementia research and shares her story with the media to raise awareness.
Mick Moody
Mick’s wife Elaine was only 52 when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, she died in March 2013, aged just 59. After her diagnosis, Elaine needed help with more and more day to day things but found that running was one thing she could manage on her own. In 2008 she became the first woman with Alzheimer’s to complete the London Marathon. Within a couple of years Elaine struggled to walk without support and needed 24-hour attention. Mick was devastated when she needed to go into a special nursing home during the last months of her life. Mick and his family continue with their committed support of our crucial research.
Carolyn Morris
Carolyn’s mum Mary lived with Alzheimer’s disease for over 12 years and died in 2012, aged 92. Carolyn has spoken out extensively about that experience to raise the profile of dementia research and our work at Alzheimer’s Research UK. Mary donated her brain to dementia research through the Brains for Dementia Research scheme. Carolyn intends to do the same.
Valerie Muncer
Valerie’s mother Nellie had a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease and died in 2007, aged 95. Since then Valerie has used every spare moment and boundless energy to raise money and awareness for Alzheimer’s Research UK. She has involved family, friends and her local community in numerous events and raised thousands of pounds through dances, raffles, cake sales and charity collections.
Alice Phillips
Alice’s late husband Arthur was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 49. A committed supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK, Alice continues to campaign for more investment in dementia research by sharing her story of caring for Arthur. She has also raised thousands of pounds through various fundraising challenges, including climbing Ben Nevis and cycling from London to Paris.
Dione Priddy
Dione’s husband Mark was just 36 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s. Dione decided to do something positive by running the 2010 Virgin London Marathon to raise money for dementia research and give hope to future generations. Sadly, Mark passed away just two weeks before the run but Dione was determined to go ahead and raised £18,000 for Alzheimer’s Research UK. She continues to be a committed supporter of our work and continues to run and raise money in memory of Mark.
David Read
David lost his mother, Janet, to Alzheimer’s in 2008. Since then he’s put his feelings about her long struggle into song. He recorded an album I Know that I should know you in 2009 and followed that with live concerts featuring his music and that of other artists. As a result, David has raised thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Research UK. He plans to continue and raise enough for a complete dementia research project.
Fred Walker
Fred’s wife, Joan, had a four year struggle with Alzheimer’s and died in 2010, aged 70. Since then he has been a tireless campaigner, raising awareness of the need for more investment into research for this devastating disease. Fred has involved his local community in fundraising events and has raised thousands of pounds for our world-class dementia research
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