Milton born F1 icon Sir Jackie Stewart tops a star studded list of speakers at a virtual conference aiming to highlight the power of sport next week.
The Sporting Memories Foundation’s Raising the Bar event next Thursday (December 3) will feature stars of the sporting world including Sir Jackie, former rugby union international Alastair Hignell and former England striker Luther Blissett talking about the impact that sport, volunteering, isolation and dementia have had on their lives.
Dementia is a subject close to Sir Jackie’s heart after wife of 58 years, Lady Helen, was diagnosed with the condition in 2014.
Since then the 81-year-old has dedicated much of his time to trying to find better treatments for the condition, following the launch of his Race Against Dementia initiative.
He said: “When Helen was diagnosed with dementia I knew that our lives wouldn’t be the same again.
“I’m fortunate to be in a position to provide Helen with the best possible care and that I’m part of a close-knit family that has been a crucial source of support throughout this difficult time.
“But I know the situation is very different for many others affected by dementia.”
The Sporting Memories Foundation are dedicated to bringing together older adults to talk about and remember sport, with the charity running more than 120 groups across the country - including in Dumbarton.
Chief operating officer for Scotland, Maurice Donohue from Bonhill, said: “Bringing sport back into everyday life is something that means so much to so many people.
“The TV has been showing a lot of stuff from yesteryear, and that’s very much what we do. For us it’s about bringing together a community and boosting spirits and engagement.”
Registration is free for the online event, which takes place next Thursday (December 3) between 10am and 12pm via www.sportingmemoriesnetwork.com/conference-story
