FORMER Newcastle United striker Joe Allon will help kick off Dementia Awareness Week activities at Beamish Museum on Monday (MAY 22).
Allon, from Chester-le-Street, whose late mother, Elizabeth, developed dementia, will be teaming up with Alzheimer's Society staff and volunteers at the museum.
He said: "Public awareness of dementia is an issue that is incredibly close to my heart. It was devastating for me and my family when my mum developed dementia and it still hurts deeply.
"But now I am determined to do whatever I can to raise public awareness of dementia."
Beamish will be the venue for Alzheimer's Society's 'Singing for the Brain' sessions on Monday, May 20 and Wednesday, May 22, which will see school children and care home residents from Chester-le-Street sing with visitors.
A 1950s-style tea dance will be held in the museum's newly re-opened Hetton Silver Band Hall on Saturday, May 25. Staff and volunteers from the Alzheimer's Society will be in one of the museum's pit cottages with information and advice.
Beamish staff are offering reduced entry to the museum for people living with dementia from May 20-25.
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