Football fans with dementia to walk out with England and Wales at Wembley

Historic moment as mascots with dementia appear at Wembley

England and Wales players will walk out with 22 football fans living with dementia ahead of their international friendly at Wembley Stadium on 9 October.

The historic moment will be delivered by Alzheimer's Society and The Football Association (FA) at the dedicated ‘Alzheimer’s Society International’ fixture, the fourth of its kind since the charity partnership was established in 2021.

The many different faces of dementia across the UK

Football fans have been nominated from across England and Wales to represent the many different faces of dementia in the UK, and will walk out alongside the teams to deliver the powerful message that it will take a united team to beat the UK’s biggest killer. 

Those selected will replace the child mascots that usually accompany players onto the pitch ahead of kick-off. They will also join both squads for the national anthems in a striking moment that will call on fans to 'join our team' - to help end the devastation of dementia by donating, campaigning, or seeking support for themselves or loved ones affected by the condition.

How it feels to be an Alzheimer's Society mascot

Andy Paul, 66, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2019 and is one of the fans who will be walking out at Wembley Stadium:

I didn’t think at my age I’d ever do something like this, and I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard the news. I’m going to cherish this opportunity; to have my family there watching and to share the moment with them will be incredibly special.

“I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t necessarily what you might expect, and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly stop doing the things you love.”

Newcastle defender meets Alzheimer's Society mascots

Andy was told he has been selected to walk out at Wembley Stadium by England and Newcastle defender Dan Burn, during a surprise trip to St. George’s Park National Football Centre with another of the chosen fans, Nigel Palmer, 72. 

After meeting the pair, Burn said: 

I was a bit nervous when I was told I would be meeting fans with dementia, as I wasn’t sure how to act. But Nigel and Andy weren’t what I was expecting at all, and I can honestly say it opened my eyes to some of the assumptions people make about dementia.

Andy added: “It’s not very often I’m stuck for words, but I was blown away when Dan walked in the room. He was fantastic with us, speaking from the heart and eager to learn about our experiences of dementia, which is the attitude people should have.” 

The 22 fans taking part comprise Alzheimer’s Society service users, nominations from football clubs and their foundations, and nominations from independent dementia services and cafés. 

Previous Alzheimer's Society Internationals have been marked by the removal of names on the back of England players’ shirts when they return to the pitch after half-time, drawing attention to memory loss, one of the symptoms most commonly associated with dementia. This will be repeated in the match against Wales.

Our ongoing partnership with the FA

Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA, said:

"Our partnership with Alzheimer's Society continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those impacted by dementia, and the 22 people living with a diagnosis who will walk out at Wembley Stadium alongside the national teams will ensure this message resonates more than ever.”

It will take a society to beat dementia

Alex Hyde-Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Alzheimer’s Society said: 

“This year’s Alzheimer’s Society International promises to be a historic night, showcasing so many different experiences of dementia and providing a special moment for our mascots and their families.“

“We know beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort, and football is the ultimate team game. Players need their teammates, coaching staff and fans to support them, and likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, carers and doctors. It will take a society to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a role to play.” 

How a united team can help

The Football Association of Wales (FAW) CEO Noel Mooney added: 

“At the FAW, we believe football has the unique power to bring people together, to unite communities, and to shine a light on important issues like dementia. That’s why we are proud to stand alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and The FA in this historic moment at Wembley Stadium. By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone.”

It takes a united team, on and off the pitch, to provide the care, compassion, and understanding needed to support those affected by this condition.