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Lembit Öpik launches memories campaign for Alzheimer's research
September 17, 2009 1:47 PM
Montgomeryshire MP Lembit Öpik is helping to kick-start a new campaign for the Alzheimer's Research Trust, called Memories Matter, on the run-up to World Alzheimer's Day (21 September). He has shared an unforgettable moment from his life in support of the charity's vital research.
He has joined a host of celebrities, including Sir Michael Parkinson, Tony Robinson and Sir Terry Pratchett, as well as politicians including Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and his own party leader Nick Clegg in the national launch of the campaign.
Mr Öpik's memory was: "As I was sorting out some old boxes the other day, I came across a photo I hadn't seen in years. It was taken in June 1987, my last month at Bristol University. We three pals had been up all night, talking, visiting other departing friends, and just shooting the breeze. As we meandered back towards our respective flats, past the Students' Union, we stopped for a moment to bask in the fledgling rays of a summer sunrise.
"And that's when I'd taken that photo of Jacek and Tony, smiling, their faces turned towards the sun, lit orange in the morning light, each glowing with the carefree limbo which lies between freedom from exams and a future burdened with adulthood. Jacek and Tony, charming and invincible. On the back of the picture, in Jacek's hand, was written "Spokespeople for a generation." And, aye, so they were… for our class of '87. I'd lost that moment, and it would have never returned if that old little photo hadn't surprised me with its captured recollection. I thanked my good fortune for finding this forgotten generation in a box... and felt melancholy for memories already gone forever. How much we'd all give to get them back."
Memories Matter draws attention to the memory loss experienced by the 700,000 people in the UK who live with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and how we could halt this: through research into new treatments, preventions and cures. Nearly 800 live with dementia in Mr Öpik's constituency alone.
Members of the public are invited to add their unforgettable moments - good, bad or otherwise - to the hundreds already collected on the Alzheimer's Research Trust website www.memories-matter.org, or on Twitter using the #memoriesmatter tag. Selected memories from the public will also be displayed on the Alzheimer's Research Trust's Memory Wall, which will tour the country from this month.
Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said:
"There is currently no cure for Alzheimer's, but with the help of well-known personalities like Lembit Öpik, we hope we can raise awareness of the urgent need for dementia research and have some fun doing it.
"Mr Öpik joins a growing number of celebrities, as well as hundreds of members of the public, who are sharing fascinating, moving and occasionally very funny memories to support the Alzheimer's Research Trust's vital work."
Other contributions have come from Alzheimer's Research Trust Patron Sir Terry Pratchett, the three party leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg. Contributing TV personalities and actors include Fern Britton, Arlene Phillips, Floella Benjamin, Timothy West, historian Andrew Roberts and many more.
ENDS
Notes
For further information, more celebrity memories, pictures or interviews on the campaign or with dementia experts please contact the Alzheimer's Research Trust's Press Officer Tim Parry on 01223 843304, 07795 823308 or email press@alzheimers-research.org.uk.
Visit the Memories Matter website at www.memories-matter.org.
The Alzheimer's Research Trust press office (01223 843304) can arrange interviews with people affected by dementia.
The Alzheimer's Research Trust provides free information on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: phone 01223 843899 or visit www.alzheimers-research.org.uk. The charity relies solely on public donations to fund its research.
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