Campaigner to take centre stage

A WARRINGTON campaigner will take centre stage at an international dementia conference in London.
Peter Ashley, aged 76, from Appleton, will speak at the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) conference on Thursday, March 8 during for a debate on life history and dementia.
He will also talk about his own experiences with dementia on Saturday, March 10. It is the first time the international gathering will take place in the UK.
Mr Ashley will join other people with dementia, who will be travelling from across the UK, to tell their stories alongside world renowned medical experts, celebrities and politicians.
Mr Ashley, an Alzheimer’s Society Ambassador, said: “I am once again honoured to have been asked to take part in this ADI conference. It gives me great pride to have the chance to speak out about my experiences and I hope that by taking part I will be able to help others and reduce the stigma surrounding dementia.
“Caring for a person with dementia is not just about talking and listening, it’s about observing. Many people with a dementia often lose their powers of coherent speech early on, but their expressions and mannerisms can convey a thousand words.”
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of Alzheimer’s Society said: “It is fantastic that people with dementia will play such a central role in this international conference.
“People with dementia are at the heart of everything we do and it is essential for them to be able to voice their concerns and experiences. It is so important that the leading decision makers in this area listen to, and support, those affected by this condition. Many thanks to Peter, and all of the delegates who are travelling from around the UK and the world to tell their stories.”