Heartwarming moment England and Wales footballers walk out with 22 mascots with dementia in emotional scenes before Wembley showdown
England and Wales players took to the pitch alongside dementia mascots at Wembley ahead of Thursday’s international friendly to celebrate the partnership between the Alzheimer’s Society and the FA.
The Three Lions were playing their first game of the current international break under the captaincy of Declan Rice in the absence of regular skipper Harry Kane through injury.
And as Rice and Wales’ Ben Davies led his teams onto the hallowed pitch, the players stood alongside the 22 fans nominated to come out with the stars to show representation of the many different faces of dementia in the UK.
The event also aimed to convey the message that a united team was required to defeat the UK’s biggest killer and that the mascots would be leaving, replacing the usual children’s mascots featured at such events.
Players also came together for momentary national anthems, which called on fans to ‘join our team’ and encouraged viewers to donate, campaign or seek support for themselves or their loved ones.
This moment was organized by the Alzheimer’s Association and the FA at the Alzheimer’s Association’s international event; It is the fourth of its kind since the partnership was established in 2021.
England and Wales players walked out with mascots suffering from dementia before the match at Wembley on Thursday.
The event also aimed to convey the message that a united team is needed to defeat the UK’s biggest killer.
At the commemoration, the fans were called to ‘join our team’ and the players came together for the national anthems.
Each player had a mascot to take to the field, and substitute defender Dan Burn also met with an excited fan before the game.
Andy Paul, 66, was diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and was one of the fans who walked out with the players. He said: ‘I never thought I would be doing something like this at my age and I was absolutely stunned when I heard the news. I will take this opportunity; It will be incredibly special to have my family there watching and sharing this moment with them.
‘I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t what you expect and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly have to stop doing the things you love.’
Burn, who plays for Newcastle, said of meeting Andy: ‘When I was told I was meeting fans with dementia I was a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure how to act. But Nigel and Andy were not at all who I expected and I can honestly say it opened my eyes to some of the assumptions people make about dementia.
Andy added: ‘I don’t get stuck for words very often but when Dan walked into the room I was blown away. ‘He was wonderful to us, speaking from the heart and keen to learn about our experiences of dementia, which is the attitude people should have.’
Previous Alzheimer’s Society Internationals have seen players’ names removed from the back of their jerseys in the second half of matches, and the match against Wales will be commemorated with the same gesture. The idea aims to draw attention to memory loss.
Mark Bullingham, The FA’s chief executive, said: ‘Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those affected by dementia, and the 22 people living with the diagnosis who will leave Wembley Stadium with the national teams will ensure this message resonates more than ever.’
Alex Hyde-Smith, Marketing Director at Alzheimer’s Society, added: ‘This year’s Alzheimer’s Society International promises to be a historic night showcasing the many different experiences surrounding dementia and providing a special moment for our mascots and their families.
Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA, said: ‘Our partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association continues to raise vital funds and awareness for those affected by dementia.’
The mascots involved also aimed to change perceptions about the disease
‘We know that beating dementia will require the highest level of team effort and that football is the best team game. Players need teammates, coaches and fans to support them; Likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, caregivers and doctors.
‘It takes a community to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a part to play.’
Football Association of Wales (FAW) chief executive Noel Mooney added: ‘At the FAW we believe football has the unique power to bring people together, unite communities and shine a light on important issues such as dementia.
‘That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and the FA at this historic moment at Wembley Stadium.
‘By starting with fans living with dementia, we are sending a clear message that no one should face dementia alone.
‘Providing the care, compassion and understanding required to support those affected by this situation requires a united team on and off the field.
