Broadcaster and radio presenter John Suchet will share his experiences of dementia at Victoria Hall in Oakham
A former television and radio broadcaster will share his personal experiences of dementia to help launch a new campaign.
John Suchet and his wife Nula will give a talk at Victoria Hall in Oakham next month.
They were invited by Rutland MP Alicia Kearns to kick-start her campaign to improve dementia diagnosis rates in the county.
Figures from the Alzheimer’s Society show that the diagnosis rate in Rutland is currently 52.7% compared to a rate of 64.5% for England.
Mrs Kearns said: “Our dementia diagnosis rates in Rutland are sadly below the national average.
“It is so important that we improve our understanding and awareness of dementia so we can increase diagnoses and ensure the right support and care is in place.”
John is a former ITN broadcaster and Classic FM presenter. He met Nula at a care home where their former spouses, Bonnie and James, were both being treated. The couple married in 2016 and are now ambassadors for the Alzheimer’s Society.
The talk, titled In Conversation with John and Nula Suchet, takes place at Victoria Hall in High Street, Oakham, on Saturday, April 20 at 12.30pm. Admission is free but people should register their interest online at www.aliciakearns.com/dementia
Mrs Kearns added: “I hope that John and Nula’s inspirational story will start the conversation about dementia in Rutland as we aim to make our county a dementia-friendly place to live.”