Bromley carer reunited with Ruth Jones tonight

Ruth met and stayed overnight with Ron, and his late wife Gladys, earlier this year to highlight the daily routine of a dementia carer.

This evening's film catches up with 81 year old Ron at a drop-in centre, run by Alzheimer's Society's Bromley office. The service provides support and advice for people affected by dementia, in a relaxed and social atmosphere. Ruth turns up to surprise Ron, and they talk about how life has changed since their last meeting.

Ron Lambert, from Hayes, said:

'I was really pleased to see Ruth again, it was nice surprise. The drop-in is very valuable to many people, for me it's a social thing. It's like a big family.'

Comic Relief has been funding a number of projects at Alzheimer's Society since 1990. In May 2010, a grant of £120,000 was awarded to Alzheimer's Society to develop a campaigners' network in England. This has enabled more people with dementia and their carers to campaign locally to improve the quality of care and support for all those affected by the condition.

Recently, a £5,000 grant was given to Alzheimer's Society, Bromley. Carer Ron Lambert has, and continues to use, Alzheimer's Society services in the borough. 

Kate Moore, Alzheimer's Society Operations Director for the East, said:

'Alzheimer's Society relies on donations to continue its vital work championing the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them. We are very grateful to Comic Relief for their generous funding. As the number of people with dementia rises, we need this kind of support more than ever. Currently there are 4,000 people living with dementia in Bromley, and this will increase to 5,000 in the next ten years.'

For photos of Ruth with Ron and interview requests, please contact the Press Office on 020 7423 3595.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. 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
• Alzheimer's Society and Tesco have mapped the number of people with dementia in each part of the UK and the percentage who receive a diagnosis. To view the 'Mapping the Dementia Gap' study visit alzheimers-tesco.org.uk

Press Office 020 7423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk