In connection with the work the Club have been doing alongside the East of England Co-op and the Ipswich Dementia Action Alliance, this evening’s Community Champion is lifelong Town fan Brian English, who has been coping well with dementia for the past 10 years, thanks to the understanding and support of his family. 

Brian has been coming to Portman Road for a number of years, with many generations of his family supporting the Club from his father to his grandson. He lives with his wife and carer, Maureen, and as an East of England Co-op Stand season ticket holder, attends every home game with his son Andrew and occasionally his grandson too. 

It’s important for us to remember that dementia doesn’t just affect the individual and this evening’s Community Champion nomination is as much about acknowledging Brian’s family, in particular his wife Maureen, who enable Brian to continue having a good quality of life. This progressive disease is life-changing for loved ones too.

Thanks to local support, Brian continues to have an active social life, visiting day centres and attending coffee mornings with Maureen and we were delighted that the pair joined us at Portman Road for our ‘Make Ipswich Dementia Friendly’ afternoon tea event last week. 

Brian is a great example of how someone with dementia can continue doing all the things they enjoy, with the support of local groups and the understanding of family and friends. 

We are also delighted to be joined by members of the 1st Kesgrave Scout group this evening, who will be carrying the matchball on Brian’s behalf, as the teams take to the pitch this evening. Locals Scouts from across Ipswich have been doing their bit to make Ipswich dementia friendly by participating in a dementia friends training session, led by our friends at the East of England Co-op. 

If you would like more information about Dementia Awareness, or how you can become a dementia friend, then please visit http://www.eastofengland.coop/dementiafriendlyipswich 

If you know someone who deserves some recognition for doing something special, going above and beyond, shown a huge amount of bravery or given up their time for a local charity, or maybe they’ve shown kindness towards others or deserve a bit of recognition for overcoming adversity, then email your Community Champion nomination to jade.cole@itfc.co.uk.

Pictured: Former Town player and manager, George Burley, with Brian and Maureen