Real stories

Using social media to create football memories for my grandad with dementia

I moved from London to Manchester when I was six and had no interest in football. But as soon as I got up here, my grandad was like I want to take you to a Manchester City game.

That first game was Manchester City against Millwall F.C., in Division 2 then (now League One). In the1998/99 season we were promoted through the play-off's!

A certain team down the road won the treble and I was wondering whilst all my friends were celebrating... why do I support this team in Blue?

Grandad's love of football

My grandad would tell you his life is football.

He played as a kid and was that good he was offered a trial with Manchester United but turned it down because one: he would make more money in his Dad's business, and two: he was a City fan!

I've grown up on his football history as we went to games for 15 years as season ticket holders. He would tell me stories of when City won the league in 1967/68 - but now it's all about when he was a player and how good he was!

It's his connection, he loves the noise, the game.

City are obviously doing well, which helps! It genuinely brings him to life. His mind isn't elsewhere, and he feels comfortable.

Grandad's dementia

Grandad's dementia diagnosis has massively impacted my family. It adjusts the way you're living, and for some of my family it's really hard to accept my Grandad the way he is.

But I know he's still happy, he tells me all the time. It's so hard though, to have such patience and effort, but we try and adapt each day and make the best of a bad situation.

Creating memories through social media

I started a Tik Tok channel (@charliemoose_) last year as a video album for him to make memories. It's not about me. For me, the feeling of making memories with my Grandad is all I've ever wanted. 

Now, I have somewhere I can look back on the memories when I can't talk to him anymore.

To then have so many people reach out and help is just amazing. It's helped my Grandad massively too - with how many people say hello to him, he just loves talking to everyone.

I've been using the success of my social media videos to help raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

For me, I don't only want to raise awareness of dementia, but living positively with it.

I want to help others see what's possible. People will only know their relative or friend who has dementia and what they enjoy - so get into their world, do what you can, and it will make such a difference to their life!

Having the support of the club

I'll never be able to thank Manchester City enough. From the last game of the season, the tour of the stadium, and through to Phil Foden letting him into his box and giving him signed shirts.

They're memories I'll have for the rest of my life.

Watch Charlie and Barry at the Alzheimer's Society Community Shield match on our Instagram:

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Alzheimer's Society (@alzheimerssoc)

My advice to other football fans affected by dementia

Only you will know your relatives and whether attending matches is possible. But try!

At first, my family thought it was the worst idea. They thought it would be 'far too much' for him.

That's a stigma that I've shown you have to push past.

My only advice would be check in with them and as long as they're okay, and you are too - go, and make memories!