Real stories

My quizzes have raised thousands to help fight dementia

There are so many people that love what I do. When I walk down the high street, I’ll often hear shouts of ‘Mr Quiz Master Bryan!’

I first started doing quizzes in local pubs in the 1980s for the Chipping Norton Lions Club, raising funds for their different charities. 

But when my wife Sheila was diagnosed with dementia 12 years ago, I decided I wanted to support Alzheimer’s Society to find a cure. 

I said to people, ‘I’m going to try and save my wife.’  

How quizzing helps me too

Sheila is very well known and well loved in Banbury because she used to run a training business. One of the reasons people come to my quizzes is because they love Sheila to bits. 

I hold quizzes at several pubs within a four- to five-mile radius of where I live. 

Raising money is my priority but I also enjoy the experience of hosting quizzes. I love the atmosphere, the banter and meeting lots of people. It keeps my brain active. 

As a 24/7 carer, I also need a social life and a break. 

I will continue to do quizzes for as long my brain will allow it. 

Creating original quizzes

My quizzes are always a bit of an event. I want people to have a good time.

I regularly have themed nights, say for Christmas and Valentine’s Day, and I like to dress up. I’ve dressed up as Corporal Jones from Dad’s Army, Santa Claus and in a Union Jack waistcoat, hat and bowtie to mark the Proms. 

I have never bought a quiz on the internet – it’s important that each one is individually created and that pubs close to each other get a different quiz. 

It takes me a while to compile each one because I fit it around caring for Sheila. 

I try to make my quizzes challenging and enjoyable, but you’ve got to put in a few that people can definitely answer! 

Why dementia fundraising matters

Nobody at my quizzes only puts the £2 entry fee in my Alzheimer’s Society bucket – they’re really generous. That’s because dementia has touched everyone’s lives. 

People will often tell me about loved ones they’ve lost as they put in their fivers, tell me to ‘keep it up, you’re doing a grand job’. That gives me a massive boost, proves to me that what I’m doing is worthwhile. 

Altogether, I have raised over £25,000 to fight dementia and I will continue fundraising as long as I can. 

I’m in my 86th year and I haven’t given up in anything that I do. With my wife, I know I’m not going to win against dementia, but I hopefully can help save my children and grandchildren.