DENIS IS LAYING DOWN THE LAW
Legend wants sport to give brain disease victims more support
DENIS LAW is out to help transform how sport supports dementia sufferers after becoming a new champion of a campaign by the Alzheimer’s Society.
the Manchester United and Scotland legend announced last month that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, the latest much-loved former footballer to reveal their battle with the degenerative brain disease.
Since going public about his illness, Law has raised £40,000 for the Alzheimer’s Society. And the 81-year-old has now joined the charity’s Sport United Against Dementia (SUAD) campaign as an official champion as he looks to improve the way sporting bodies and clubs care for those affected by the condition.
‘It’s been a challenging time since my dementia diagnosis for both me and my family,’ said Law, speaking on World Alzheimer’s Day. ‘I’ve been incredibly touched by everyone’s well wishes and donations.
‘I hope by becoming a Sport United Against Dementia champion, I can continue to raise that all-important awareness so more people aren’t afraid to come forward, can spot the signs and get the help they need through the Alzheimer’s Society’s fantastic support services.
‘I know first-hand how important it is that we stay connected to the sports we love. I still get so much joy out of going to Old trafford and cheering on the team amongst the fans.
‘through this campaign, we can really bring the sporting world together to break down barriers, keeping this passion for sport alive for thousands of others like me who are living with dementia.’
SUAD wants to raise funds to create more dementia-friendly facilities so sufferers can continue to enjoy watching live sport at stadiums and stay connected to their clubs as well as increase the capacity of the Alzheimer’s Society’s support services.
Law is just one of the famous football figures who has become an SUAD champion, with Sir Geoff
Hurst, Harry Redknapp, Jamie Redknapp and Jermaine Jenas also getting on board. From cricket,
Andrew Flintoff, Shane Warne and Alec Stewart have joined as champions along with Ben Kay and Martin Bayfield from rugby.
‘I know the industry can make a huge difference by bringing dementia out of the shadows and making sure both sport-watchers and players can get the help they deserve,’ said 2005 Ashes hero Flintoff. ‘that’s why it’s great to be supporting Alzheimer’s Society’s Sport United Against Dementia campaign as one of its champions.
‘together, we can raise awareness of dementia and as much money as possible to provide support that is so desperately needed right now.’
England Rugby World Cup winner Kay added: ‘I know many players have increased concerns about their dementia risk following recent media coverage. Clubs have a duty of care to their players and their fans, who have been affected by dementia.
‘Sport United Against Dementia really is looking at the big picture, from funding
research and support services to creating a dementia-inclusive industry.’
Law’s backing of the campaign comes as dementia in football will be discussed in the Scottish Parliament for the first time today.
Sportsmail has been campaigning for more funds and research into the relationship between heading the ball and dementia — and also called for it to be classified as an industrial disease.
Law has previously stated that he believed heading the ball caused his condition, saying: ‘What else would it be? that was what caused damage to the brain. You were heading the ball, which was quite heavy in those days, but you didn’t think about it. Now as time goes on, you are thinking: “Why should I be having this problem?” When you are playing two games a week and heading the ball in games then there are obvious dangers.’