John and Nula Suchet have officially launched ‘Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation’ with a talk on their story about caring for a loved one with dementia.
The event took place at The Victoria Hall in Oakham and almost 150 people attended.
John and his wife Nula both met through their spouses living in care with dementia, before marrying in 2016. John and Nula are now ambassadors for Alzheimer’s Society.
John Suchet is well-known for his work presenting Classic FM and prior to this as one of the country’s most popular television reporters and newscasters.
‘Rutland’s Great Dementia Conversation’ is aiming to drive up dementia awareness, increase diagnoses in Rutland and make our communities more dementia friendly.
Alicia has launched a new Rutland dementia website providing guidance on how to become more dementia friendly, the signs and symptoms of dementia, information on support for those living with dementia, their carers and loved ones, and local dementia groups and events.
Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said:
“With dementia affecting one in two of us in our lifetime, either by caring for someone with the condition, developing it ourselves, or both, it’s important we make our communities in Rutland as supportive as possible of all those living with dementia, or caring for loved ones with the condition.
“I am so grateful to John and Nula for giving up their time to share their stories with us, and start our conversation – their ability to inspire laughter and tears was a joy to share.
"We have the clinics and support available in Rutland, so I hope our conversation encourages anyone locally who has noticed something has changed, or whose loved one may be showing signs of dementia, to have the confidence to step forward and access this support.”
