Dementia carer of the year announced at Daily Mail National Carers Award

The event, which took place at the Marriott Hotel in London's Grosvenor Square, began with a drinks reception where celebrities including Lynda Bellingham, Britt Ekland, Julian Fellowes and Angela Rippon had the opportunity to meet a range of Alzheimer's Society supporters, from our much valued volunteers and regular donors to representatives from our corporate partners, and of course carers and people with dementia. A number of our Patrons, Vice Presidents, Ambassadors and trustees were also in attendance.

Following the drinks reception, TV presenter and Society Ambassador Ruth Langsford presented the awards to five carers, each of whom represent the thousands of carers across the UK who devote their lives to caring for loved ones. The five awards categories were family carer, young carer, parent carer, care home carer, and dementia carer.

The dementia carer of the year 2010 went to 46-year-old Michael Tuton, who carers for his 81-year-old mum, Molly, who is now in the later stages of dementia. Michael moved back to his home town of Hull from Canada to care for his mum in 2002, following the death of his father. Michael's story will be in the June issue of Living with dementia magazine.

A charity raffle followed a delicious three-course lunch, after which guests were entertained with an endless stream of jokes from guest speaker Barry Cryer OBE, comedian and broadcaster.

The event was sponsored by Bupa in support of Alzheimer's Society, which will receive all funds raised from the day.

Director of External Affairs, Andrew Ketteringham was among those who attended. He said,

'Every year we ask our patrons, vice-presidents, partners and ambassadors to meet together so that we can thank them for the enormous help they give us. This year, with the proceeds going to Alzheimer's Society, we came to the conclusion that this was the event to which we should invite them all.

'It couldn't have been a better decision; it was moving and inspirational and all of us came away feeling privileged to have been present at a very special occasion.'

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