Sir Alex Ferguson beamed as he shared a heartwarming dance with a lifelong Manchester United fan living with dementia.
The 83-year-old was visiting Cheshire in his role as ambassador for Playlist for Life, a charity using music to support people with the condition.
The former Old Trafford boss, who retired in 2013 after 13 league titles in 26 years, was taking part in an event to mark National Playlist Day.
Mil, who had built a personal music list with the help of her partner Ken, immediately recognised Ferguson and reached out her hands. The pair swayed and laughed together as one of her favourite songs played from her playlist.
The touching clip, posted on Playlist for Life’s TikTok page and filmed during an interview with BBC Breakfast, has been seen widely online. It highlights how personalised music can trigger memories, boost joy and spark connection for people with dementia.
Ferguson, who has been adding tracks with happy memories to his own playlist, has said he wants to make sure everyone in the UK who could benefit from one can access it.
Sir Alex Ferguson beamed as he shared a heartwarming dance with a lifelong Manchester United fan living with dementia
In his retirement, Ferguson has been working closely with dementia charities and it’s a cause close to his heart amid his brother’s struggles
He also wants carers to see how music can support loved ones even from a distance.
Speaking after the moment with Mil, Ferguson said: ‘When the music came on it just sparked her enthusiasm to join in and start singing, and I thought it was a wonderful thing to see.
‘With that type of dementia you don’t expect that kind of response, but she was up and dancing with such a positive reaction to the music, so that was really a special moment. She hasn’t lost her vigour for life and she’s about to celebrate her 90th birthday.’
He added: ‘I think that using personal playlists in dementia care is something that, without question will grow in popularity, especially because it means families can get involved and support people with music even from a distance.
‘The conversation about dementia is gathering pace but people need to realise that dementia is a big modern-day issue that needs more support, and that support is a necessity for a lot of families to help people right now.’
The Scot became an ambassador for Playlist for Life earlier this year and said he will keep using the charity’s resources to add more songs, believing music can be a powerful tool for connection.
The video also comes as Ferguson continues to speak openly about his life since losing his wife Lady Cathy, who died aged 84 last October after nearly 58 years of marriage.
He recently told the BBC he had struggled to leave the house after her passing before moving next door to his son Darren and travelling extensively to occupy himself, while also working with dementia groups.
The video also comes as Ferguson continues to speak openly about his life since losing his wife Lady Cathy
Ferguson has often described Lady Cathy as his ‘bedrock’, crediting her for nursing him back to health after his 2013 stroke.
He has also spoken about his brother’s own struggles with dementia, explaining in interviews that it has made the issue more personal to him and strengthened his resolve to help families facing it.
