Kevin Whately

Biography

Kevin Whately has been a hugely active supporter of Alzheimer's Society since 2005 and became an ambassador in 2007.

Although best known for playing Inspector Morse's Sergeant Lewis, Kevin Whately's proved himself as a versatile and popular actor in many other productions. He's one of Auf Wiedersehen, Pet's 'magnificent seven', was part of Peak Practice's original cast, and also appeared in the multi-Oscar-winning film The English Patient.

Kevin's mother, Mary, died with dementia in July 2009 so he understands the impact dementia has on the person diagnosed and all family members. Kevin first became a supporter of the Alzheimer's Society after starring in the television drama, Dad, in October 2005. His character's mother developed Alzheimer's disease and the drama followed the family's struggle to cope with the impact of the diagnosis on the whole family.

As an ambassador for the Alzheimer's Society, Kevin continues to raise awareness of the Society's work, including speaking out in support of campaigns for unrestricted access to drug treatments for people in the early and late stages of Alzheimer's. Kevin has fronted the Alzheimer's Society's flagship fundraiser, Memory Walks and campaigned to recruit athletic charity volunteers for the Bupa Great North Run.

'Before my mother's diagnosis with Alzheimer's, I had heard of the disease, but hadn't known anyone who had suffered from it. I know how devastating Alzheimer's, and any form of dementia is for the person diagnosed and their families. If I can help in anyway to champion the rights of those affected, I'm only too happy to lend my support.'

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