England and Wales players walked out with mascots with dementia at Wembley ahead of their international friendly on Thursday to mark the partnership between Alzheimer’s Society and the FA.
The Three Lions were playing their first match of the current international break, captained by Declan Rice in the absence of usual skipper Harry Kane through injury.
And, as Rice and Wales’ Ben Davies led their teams out onto the hallowed turf, the players stood alongside 22 fans who had been nominated to walk out with the stars as they showed representation of the many different faces of dementia in the United Kingdom.
The event also aimed to deliver the message that it will take a united team to beat the UK’s biggest killer, with those walking out replacing the usual child mascots that take part in such events.
Players were also joined for the national anthems in a moment that called on fans to ‘join our team’ and encourage viewers to donate, campaign or seek support for themselves or loved ones.
The moment was delivered by Alzheimer’s Society and the FA in what was a dedicated Alzheimer’s Society international fixture – the fourth of its kind since the partnership was established in 2021.
England and Wales players walked out with mascots with dementia ahead of their match at Wembley on Thursday
The event also aimed to deliver the message that it will take a united team to beat the UK’s biggest killer
Players were also joined for the national anthems in a moment that called on fans to ‘join our team’
Every player was joined by a mascot for the walk onto the pitch, with defender Dan Burn, who was a substitute, also meeting one excited fan before the game.
Andy Paul, 66, was diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and was one of the fans who walked out with the players. He said: ‘I didn’t think at my age I’d ever do something like this, and I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard the news. I’m going to cherish this opportunity; to have my family there watching and to share the moment with them will be incredibly special.
‘I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t necessarily what you might expect, and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly stop doing the things you love.’
Burn, who plays for Newcastle, said of meeting Andy: ‘I was a bit nervous when I was told I would be meeting fans with dementia, as I wasn’t sure how to act. But Nigel and Andy weren’t what I was expecting at all, and I can honestly say it opened my eyes to some of the assumptions people make about dementia.’
Andy added: ‘It’s not very often I’m stuck for words, but I was blown away when Dan walked in the room. He was fantastic with us, speaking from the heart and eager to learn about our experiences of dementia, which is the attitude people should have.’
Previous Alzheimer’s Society Internationals have seen players’ names removed from the back of their shirts for the second half of matches, and the game against Wales will be marked by the same gesture. The idea aims to draw attention to memory loss.
There were also regular reminds of the number to call – 0333 150 3456 – for support.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA, said: ‘Our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by dementia, and the 22 people living with a diagnosis who will walk out at Wembley Stadium alongside the national teams will ensure this message resonates more than ever.’
Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA, said: ‘Our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by dementia’
The mascots involved were also looking to change the perception around the illness
Alex Hyde-Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Alzheimer’s Society, added: ‘This year’s Alzheimer’s Society International promises to be a historic night, showcasing so many different experiences of dementia and providing a special moment for our mascots and their families.
‘We know beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort, and football is the ultimate team game. Players need their teammates, coaching staff and fans to support them, and likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, carers and doctors.
‘It will take a society to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a role to play.’
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) CEO Noel Mooney, also added: ‘At the FAW, we believe football has the unique power to bring people together, to unite communities, and to shine a light on important issues like dementia.
‘That’s why we are proud to stand alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and The FA in this historic moment at Wembley Stadium.
‘By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone.
‘It takes a united team, on and off the pitch, to provide the care, compassion, and understanding needed to support those affected by this condition.
