Angela Rippon and John Hughes announced as Alzheimer’s Society Ambassadors

Broadcaster and journalist, Angela Rippon has supported Alzheimer's Society for a number of years and has spoken of her experiences caring for her mother Edna who was diagnosed with dementia in 2004. Angela was a BBC newsreader for five years and has worked in news and current affairs for over 40 years. She has been awarded the OBE for her services to broadcasting, charity and the arts. In November Angela will be supporting Alzheimer's Society's campaign to put care right in hospitals, as part of her new role.

Angela Rippon, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador says,

'Dementia is the curse of the 21st century. We are an ageing population and this is going to touch us all. Alzheimer's Society's campaigning and support makes a huge difference to those affected by this cruel condition. Those who suffer from dementia need a voice. By becoming an Alzheimer's Society Ambassador, I hope I can help them be heard.'

John Hughes has more than 30 years of global business experience, including senior executive positions at Thales Group, Lucent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard. John currently serves as Chairman of Intec Telecom PLC, Spectris plc and Telecity Group plc, all three FTSE listed companies.'

 

John Hughes, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador says,

'Alzheimer's Society works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for both those living with dementia and their families and carers. Having seen at close quarters the profound impact of dementia on both sufferers and their families, I am honoured to become an Alzheimer's Society Ambassador. I will bring my business experience and relationships to bear to help the Society in raising substantial additional sums to support their research goals as well as their caring and support activities. I hope that in this way, and by speaking out on behalf of the Society, I can make a difference.'

Angela and John join Patrons Dame Judi Dench and Britt Ekland, and Ambassadors including Lynda Bellingham, Jo Brand and Tony Robinson, in championing the rights of people with dementia and their carers. With their support the charity, the largest organisation in the UK focussed solely on dementia, works to help people live well with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow.'

 

Ends

Notes to editors

 

• 1 in 3 people over the age of 65 will die with dementia
• 700,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In less than 20 years nearly a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Dementia is not a natural part of ageing; it is caused by diseases of the brain and robs people of their lives.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and those who care for them. Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• The Alzheimer's Society needs to raise money to care for people today and to find a cure for tomorrow. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk