Real stories

‘I broadcast about living with dementia to help others’

My wife, Jann, thinks that I had early dementia symptoms years ago. I had brain fog, but my doctors put it down to stress and depression.

I was eventually diagnosed with young-onset vascular dementia in 2025, at the age of 59.

My doctor was fantastic and helpful but my dementia diagnosis knocked me for six, it was totally devastating. I’d seen my dad live with dementia for 12 years.

Accepting my dementia diagnosis

It took us a while to get our heads round my diagnosis and tell all the family.

In that time, I retreated into myself. One day, Jann just said, ‘Look, we’ve got to stop thinking about the future and live for today.’

And it spurred me into action.

I had a choice to either feel sorry for myself, curl up and go downhill quicker. Or I could take control and make something out of this.

Then the idea just came to me. I’d start doing a video diary of my experiences.

Speaking out about dementia

Before my diagnosis, I’d worked as a steelworker all my life. Broadcasting is a completely new experience.

But I’m comfortable speaking in public. I’m a practising Spiritualist and I used to do demonstrations of mediumship in front of big audiences.

I’m also used to communicating with people who have dementia. I used to go with my dad to his dementia club and sit with everyone, you know, try to get into their world.

I decided I’d talk about my day-to-day experience of dementia. 

I thought if I could make a difference through speaking out, it’d be fantastic.

Uploading my first monthly video diary to Facebook was daunting, but straight away people were responding and messaging.

Staying active with dementia

My mum always used to say, ‘Carry out random acts of kindness every day!’ And that’s what I try to do, help people.

When you get a diagnosis, you feel so lonely, as if you’re the only one going through it.

Doing my videos helps me as well as other people. I like the feeling I get from supporting others. The feedback is so uplifting.

Broadcasting has helped me get my lust for life back. I’ve got something to strive for. I’ve been learning my skills as I go along, through trial and error.

Don’t get me wrong, I still have down days.

But I try to make the most of every day because you just don’t know what tomorrow brings.

I stay active and sociable – I’m a member of two dementia clubs and I love them, we have a good laugh.

My videos have also led to new opportunities. I was invited onto Black Country Radio and now have a regular spot talking about dementia.

I want to continue to use my voice to dispel myths about dementia, show that you can be active. 

You’ve got life ahead of you still. Without a doubt, I’d encourage other people with a dementia diagnosis to try new things. It keeps your brain ticking over.