The What

For one night, we will forgo the luxury of sleeping in our beds to raise awareness of Alzheimer Scotland

The Why

Alzheimer’s has a cruel way of touching lives far beyond the person who receives the diagnosis.

It affects husbands and wives, sons and daughters, friends, carers and entire families — gradually changing relationships built over a lifetime and placing an enormous emotional burden on those trying to support someone they love.

For those of us connected to Celtic, that reality has been brought particularly close to home this year.

We learned that Lisbon Lion Jim Craig, a man forever woven into the greatest chapter in Celtic’s history, has been living with Alzheimer’s. More recently came the news that another legendary figure, Danny McGrain, is facing the same diagnosis.

These are men whose memories have helped create our memories — Lisbon, trophies, great teams, great occasions and stories passed between generations.

Yet Alzheimer’s does not distinguish between football legends and the rest of us.

Behind those famous names are countless people whose stories will never make the news: parents, grandparents, partners, friends and neighbours. Many of us will already know someone affected by dementia; others sadly will in the years ahead.

That is why, on 1 October, I’ll give up the comfort of my bed and take part in the Clyde Place Sleepover in support of Alzheimer Scotland.

One uncomfortable night is, of course, nothing compared with the challenges faced every day by people living with dementia and by those who love and care for them. But hopefully it can raise a little money, a little awareness and contribute to a future in which people face dementia with better support, greater understanding and renewed hope.

Because behind every diagnosis is a person.

Behind every person is a lifetime of memories.

And those memories matter.

If you’re able to donate, however modestly, I’d be enormously grateful. 💚

#Brainhealth