The Peoples Awards

Alzheimer's Society Champion Terry Eccott and his daughter Sara had a special day out at St. James Palace on Wednesday 19th of April as they were both invited to the Peoples Awards held by the Alzheimers Society.

Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes who sadly could not be present as he was in Japan at an International Conference, by message praised Alzheimers Society's volunteers for the amazing work they do for the society.

Twelve Major Awards were presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra the Hon. Lady Ogilvy the Royal Patron of the Alzheimers Society.

Terry was a runner up in the Pushing Boundaries Category for the work he has done in the past year from working on the New Brand and Values as well as his Welcome Days presentations and the awareness talks around the country.

"It was an amazing day to go St James Palace and receive an award and to meet up with so many people who are dedicated in helping others living with Dementia" he said.

"But we must not forget in recent years the massive cutbacks that have been made in all departments concerning health in this country has only in turn created crisis points right across the country. In my home County of Hampshire for instance there is over 25,000 people Diagnosed with Dementia, 40% of those have Vascular Dementia who receive hardly any or no support at all, as their consultants are signing them off because of the cutbacks and sheer numbers. At present there are no Drugs for Vascular Dementia unless it crosses over with Alzheimers Disease, so that leaves 10,000 in no mans land until they become so unwell that the family cannot cope anymore. Only then are they referred back onto the consultants books.

The numbers are frightening when you look at them as there are only 11 Dementia Support Workers and 10 Dementia Advisors working for the Alzheimers Society to cover the whole of Hampshire."