Alzheimer's Society welcomes star of BBC drama and Comic Relief campaign

Jean will star alongside Richard Briers and Kevin Whately in a powerful new drama called 'Dad' broadcast on Thursday 24 February on BBC ONE as part of Comic Relief's Elder Abuse campaign.

The film tells the story of Larry James (Richard Briers) who has been caring single-handedly for his wife Jeannie James (Jean Heywood) who has Alzheimer's disease. But when Larry falls and breaks an ankle his life with Jeannie abruptly changes forever. Jeannie is moved into a care home and Larry goes to stay with his son Oliver (Kevin Whately), his daughter-in-law Sandy (Sinead Cusack) and their teenage daughter.

Jean visited a number of dementia support groups before filming got underway, including the Redbridge branch of the Alzheimer's Society. She says:

'My visit to the Alzheimer's Society in Redbridge helped me to see what living with dementia is like and gave me conviction in my performance. During the afternoon I spent at the branch I was able to observe people with dementia, talk to them and their carers. In the film there's a scene where Jeannie doesn't recognise her husband Larry and when he touches her arm she moves away. If I hadn't seen it - I couldn't portray it.'

The Alzheimer's Society is one of several major charities that are supporting the campaign in run-up to next month's Red Nose Day. Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society says:

'Support groups such as the ones visited by Jean Heywood, are a lifeline for hundreds of people whose lives have been affected by dementia. The Society has more than 250 branches across the country, each provides vital help and advice for people with dementia and their carers.'

For case study details and information about dementia please contact the Alzheimer's Society press office.

For further information on Comic Relief's Elder Abuse Campaign contact Comic Relief Media Relations Officer on 020 7820 6044.

Notes for editors

• The Alzheimer's Society is the UK's leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.
• Dad will be broadcast on BBC ONE at 8.00pm on Thursday 24 February. It stars Richard Briers, Kevin Whately, Jean Heywood and Sinead Cusack.
• It is the first time that Comic Relief has used drama over documentary to convey the emotive and serious message behind its grant work.
• The Alzheimer's Society is the Medical Journalists' Association Medical Charity of the Year. The Alzheimer's Society is the first organisation to win this award.
• Over 750,000 people in the UK have dementia. More than half have Alzheimer's disease.
• Dementia affects one in 20 people over the age of 65 and one in five over the age of 80.
• There are 18,500 people in the UK under the age of 65 with dementia.
• For information and advice on Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia call the Alzheimer's Society national helpline on 0845 300 0336.
• Our website address is http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/.