Story added: 6th December 2022

Michael's story

Michael, aged 86, was diagnosed with dementia back in 2019.

Since then, he and his wife, Mary, have been facing an uphill struggle with the disease.

Michael had always been a quiet man but after his diagnosis, he became mute for two years. He retained his cognitive functions and understands instructions, responding using his head or body language.

At Michael’s first Duncan’s Club visit, the group played a song from 1959 which seem to spark something in him and he began to sing along, leaving Mary in joyous floods of tears. Since that moment, his progress has been both visible and audible, with Mary describing the breakthrough as a “very special moment”. Michael now speaks when spoken to.

Duncan’s Club is one of few programmes in the county to offer physical activity-based sessions to those living with dementia. This element of the programme appealed to Mary, as Michael had represented Bedfordshire at table tennis in his younger days. According to Duncan’s Club staff and volunteers, some who are half his age, he has them run ragged when he plays them!

For Mary too, the programme has been invaluable. It’s given her the chance to make friends with people who are living in similar situations, and she’s found great comfort knowing she’s not alone in experiencing the battle that is caring for someone with dementia.

Join City Giving

Could you help to fund Duncan’s Club? By giving £3 a month, you’ll pay for a local person with dementia to attend one Duncan’s Club session. Give £12, and you’ll cover the monthly cost, allowing them to attend every week.