Town's Johnny Mullins and Dionne Manning helped to promote the campaign
Footballers in Luton have shown a united front to help raise awareness of one of the biggest health crisis facing society.
Luton Town FC is backing Alzheimer’s Society’s new campaign calling on people to set aside their differences - from age to tastes, gender and race, social standing and political allegiances - and unite in the fight against dementia, as it’s set to become the 21st century’s biggest killer.
Players including Johnny Mullins, defender for the men’s team, and Dionne Manning, striker for the club’s ladies team, are encouraging their fans and the wider community to support the cause.
Johnny said: “It is really important that we are all aware of dementia and the effects it can have on people living with it. It is not a visible condition but it is important that the club can show they understand the needs of their supporters, staff and wider community.”
Dionne added: “Together with Johnny we have shown solidarity at Luton Town FC to make dementia centre of attention. We hope others stand up and try to find out about how they too can make a difference.”
People don’t have to wait long to take action as Alzheimer’s Society are running a Dementia Friends Information Session at Luton Town FC during Dementia Awareness Week on Wednesday 17 May. The event is open to the club’s fans and the wider community, from 6pm to 7pm in the Eric Morecambe Suite, Kenilworth Stadium, Luton, LU4 8AW. People will need to register to become a Dementia Friend before booking onto the session at the football club. Register at www.dementiafriends.org.uk
A Dementia Friends Information Session is a fun, interactive way to learn a little about dementia and how it can affect people’s lives. It covers key messages that everyone should know about dementia, through activities and discussion. At the end of the session participants have the opportunity to turn their understanding into action by committing to a dementia-friendly action.
Sian Gilleard, Luton Dementia Action Alliance Coordinator at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “It’s fantastic that local organisations like Luton Town Football Club are so willing to get involved and learn more about dementia.
“Dementia doesn’t care who you are, it could affect us all. There are 1,800 people living with dementia in Luton, we need people to unite with us now as every action brings us closer to finding a cure and giving everyone the support they need.”
Alzheimer’s Society is urging everyone to come together and unite against dementia to improve care, offer help and understanding to those affected and find a cure. There are many ways you can get involved – whether it’s becoming a Dementia Friend, campaigning or donating to fund research for a cure. Unite now at alzheimers.org.uk