Lifetime achievement award caps career for Clive

He was presented with the honour at the UK Dementia Congress National Dementia Care Awards in Liverpool.

It was a fitting culmination to 23 years of work with Alzheimer's Society during which time he has seen it grow out of all recognition since the early years.

Clive, who retired a day later as the charity's head of professional liaison, has a list of achievements to his name, including starting the Society's national helpline.

Another significant role was six years as chairman of the CJD Support Network for which he received an MBE.

Clive said:

'I was delighted to receive the award for lifetime achievement and overwhelmed - there were six candidates all highly respected in their own fields.

'It very much reflects the help I have been given by so many people, whatever I have done has been with a team and tremendous support from fantastic colleagues.'

He began the charity's hugely successful helpline in 1989 and for 15 years was its director of information and education, responsible for publications, the charity's website and a number of other projects.

More recently Clive has worked closely with other organisations in areas such as dementia and sight loss in partnership with organisations including the RNIB.

Clive said:

'I have done so many things in my working life at the Society that I would never have dreamt of doing formerly - speaking on radio and television about dementia, speaking at conferences, lobbying MPs, talking to celebrities supporting the cause and helping to raise funds.

'I have met so many wonderful people - inspirational carers, people with dementia and committed professionals in health, social care and dementia.'

Andrew Ketteringham, Alzheimer's Society Director of External Affairs, said:

'We all feel enormously privileged to have worked with Clive but it's the people living with dementia who have really had the benefit of his hard work, his expertise and his understanding. We wish him and his wife Audrey a very happy retirement.'

Chief Executive Jeremy Hughes, said:

'Thanks to Clive the lives of tens of thousands of people affected by dementia have been improved. Clive has ensured that Alzheimer's Society has become the powerhouse we are.'