Alzheimer's Society co-founder awarded MBE

Morella Kayman, who is now Vice President of the Society, helped set up the charity in 1979 following her husband's diagnosis of dementia seven years earlier.

At the time, dementia was a taboo subject and a misunderstood illness. With no support and no information, Morella had no one to turn to for advice and no services to offer practical support. Appalled at the situation, she wrote to national newspapers and slowly but surely with support from others, Alzheimer's Society was formed.

The charity now provides 2,000 services across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, campaigns for the rights of people with dementia and their carers and funds £6 million worth of research into the condition.

Morella, from Stanmore in north London, said:

'I'm unbelievably excited. The award pays tribute to my late husband who lived with dementia for 20 years. I feel incredibly proud of what Alzheimer's Society has achieved - the world of dementia is so different from what it was 30 years ago.  But we've still got so much to do and I'm not going to stop now - I plan on doing lots more for the cause, especially fundraising.'

Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Alzheimer's Society, said:

'I would like to wish Morella huge congratulations from everyone at Alzheimer's Society. From the humble beginnings of her spare room in north London to a £70m charity today, the Society is now the leading support and research charity for people with dementia. This wouldn't have been possible without her inspiring leadership and energy.

'Thirty years since co-founding the charity, Morella is as active as ever at raising awareness of dementia and giving the most vulnerable in our society a voice and hope. I cannot think of a more worthy recipient of such an honour.'

-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 0207 423 3595 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk