Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Friendly Awards ceremonies took place in November 2019, with the Northern Ireland ceremony in Belfast on 25 November and the England and Wales ceremony in London on 27 November. The awards celebrated people, organisations and communities who make a real change to the lives of people with dementia.
Around 150 guests attended both ceremonies including finalists, judges, special guests and sponsors. The England and Wales awards were hosted by journalist Jane Moore and in Northern Ireland, they were hosted by Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador and television personality, Sarah Travers.
There was an exceptionally high standard of nominations this year across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Alzheimer’s Society said, with 500 nominations received. Industry judges and judges affected by dementia had a very difficult job to shortlist the nominations down to the 10 award categories and choose the winners.
Amongst the inspirational winners in England and Wales was the Lifetime Achievement Award celebrating the 40 Anniversary of Alzheimer’s Society which went to Morella Kayman MBE, Dr Anne Hunter OBE and Professor Gordon Wilcock, founders of the then Alzheimer’s Disease Society, in 1979.
In Northern Ireland, the Lifetime Achievement Award went to Liz Cunningham, who has transformed the landscape of dementia in Northern Ireland since her diagnosis 10 years ago at the age of 48.
Awards host and journalist, Jane Moore, said: “I’m delighted to have hosted this year’s Dementia Friendly Awards 2019 in London. This year’s awards celebrated individuals, organisations and communities leading and inspiring a change that will transform the lives of people living with dementia across the country forever, challenging misunderstandings, changing attitudes and taking action. My own mother-in-law had dementia so I understand what a heart-breaking condition it can be, stripping people of their memories. All of the winners and nominees have done incredible and inspiring work to help people living with dementia and they should all be incredibly proud.”
More details on the awards and a full list of winners can be found online at alzheimers.org.uk/dementiafriendlyawards
