Today Alzheimer’s Society joined forces with Yorkshire County Cricket Club, with support from the England and Wales Cricket Board, to raise awareness of dementia on World Alzheimer’s Day at Headingley Cricket Ground.
The display was poignantly captured in a moving appeal film featuring England and Northern Superchargers cricketer, Alice Davidson-Richards, who candidly shared her personal connection to dementia, almost a year on from losing her father to the condition. The video also featured Alzheimer’s Society’s Chief Executive, Kate Lee, who shared her personal connection to dementia and encouraged cricket fans concerned about the condition to reach out for support.
Alongside the appeal film, the day featured fundraising collections and an information stand with dedicated dementia experts on hand throughout the day to provide specialist support and information to cricket fans with concerns. There was also a guard of honour to welcome the England and Australia players with an Alzheimer’s Society banner held aloft beside them.
Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive, Kate Lee, said: “Today we have witnessed sport’s unrivalled ability to bring together people from all walks of life and start important conversations.
“Great cricket should be unforgettable, but sadly for around one million people living with dementia, these precious memories will fade away. Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer and it is vital we bring it out from behind closed doors and into the open.
“I’d like to thank every single person who has donated. Your donations will enable us to fund vital dementia research, support services, and provide help and hope to thousands of people affected by dementia, now and for generations to come”.
Metro Bank ODI Series – England v Australia – Headingley Cricket Ground, Leeds, England – A general view (GV) of England playing Australia.
Chair of the England and Wales Cricket Board, and Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia Board, Richard Thompson, said: “Historically, the One Day Internationals between England and Australia have been full of special moments, and this series is no exception. However, for people living with dementia, these precious moments and memories will be stripped away.
“I’ve seen dementia’s devastation first-hand and know all too well the anguish it can cause. Great cricket should be unforgettable, which is why I am delighted to have supported Alzheimer’s Society in their mission to stump dementia out of the game and help thousands of cricket fans get the dedicated, specialist support they desperately need”.
Sanjay Patel, interim Chief Executive Officer for YCCC, said: “Headingley Cricket Ground has produced wonderful moments showcasing England and Australia over the years, but sadly for people living with dementia, these special memories will be affected.
“We were delighted to shine a light on dementia, on an international stage, and work alongside Alzheimer’s Society and the England and Wales Cricket Board to bring awareness of such an important cause.
“Moving forward Yorkshire Cricket are taking its own strides towards ensuring that cricket remains a game for all, and we will look to continuing to support those living with dementia and those affected by the condition in the future.”
There are currently around one million people living with dementia in the UK, enough to fill Headingly Cricket Ground almost 55 times over.
During World Alzheimer’s Month, Alzheimer’s Society has brought together leading sporting organisations, clubs, individuals, and governing bodies including the England and Wales Cricket Board, the Football Association, Premier League, and DP World Tour to make a meaningful and long-lasting difference to people affected by dementia, now and for generations to come.
To donate or find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s work uniting the world of sport, visit alzheimers.org.uk/sports
