A WESTBURY man who has helped raise thousands of pounds for Alzheimer’s Support has been nominated for a BBC Radio Wiltshire ‘Make a Difference’ award for his fundraising efforts.
Duncan Baxter has raised money for the charity in a variety of different ways over the years following his diagnosis of early-stage vascular dementia in 2016. Duncan attends the Alzheimer’s Support Old Silk Works day club in Warminster every week, where he says the staff have helped give him a new lease of life.
Duncan said, “I was so surprised by the nomination, I’ve never done this with the intention to make the focus on myself, I just wanted to give back to the lovely staff who have been so good to me. I honestly just couldn’t believe it, why me? There’s plenty of other people who have done a lot more than me, but thank you to whoever nominated me.
“I was diagnosed with early-stage vascular dementia in 2016. I was scared absolutely stupid by it I have to admit. My father had suffered with chronic Alzheimer’s which had a huge impact on our family at the time. I didn’t want my family to see me like I saw my father.
“My whole outlook on life changed when I was first introduced to the Old Silk Works day club; they helped me realise that there’s no running from the diagnosis and instead offered practical ways for me to help cope with it. I can’t find the words to describe the importance of this place to me. These crazy staff members have made my life here brilliant; they’ve helped remove fear from the equation, and I’ve made sure not to miss a Thursday club session for fear of missing out!
“You’re not treated as someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia here – you are treated as an individual person with individual needs and interests. Without this place I would feel so lost. They’ve really help me realise that life is worth living.”
Duncan is one of the more active members of the group as he often takes the lead on quiz sessions for members and often persuades bowls clubs he visits into donating to Alzheimer’s Support.
The sky was the limit for Duncan’s fundraising activities last year, as the 75-year-old completed a 10,000ft tandem skydive to raise funds and awareness for the disease.
Duncan explained, “Once I found out that this club doesn’t receive any direct funding, I knew I had to do something to say a small thank you. The work they do out there is unbelievable and invaluable, so I had to do something special which is why I went for the skydive.
“I will never do that again I can assure you! I was blown away with the response I received and there were so many donations from people I didn’t even know. I’ll do anything to fight this disease and I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
Duncan is one of four finalists for the fundraising award in the ‘Make a Difference’ awards and the winner will be announced on the 25th September at an awards ceremony at the Devizes Corn Exchange.
Stephany Bardzil, head of communications, engagement and fundraising at Alzheimer’s Support said, “Fundraising support from people like Duncan is a real lifeline for clubs such as ours. We need to raise about £300 per day to keep our services running across Wiltshire, so we are reliant on selfless people such as Duncan. All the staff here are really taken with him, he brings a smile to all our faces.
“He’s a real fundraising superstar and he really deserves the award! He is also a great at trying to reduce the stigma in early onset dementia as a lot of people will not want to face it, but as he says, there is help out there.”
Duncan added, “Thank you to everyone who has donated to me so far, as well as whoever nominated me, you are invaluable. A massive thank you to me darling wife, Lynne, as well. She has been by my side the entire time and I couldn’t wish for someone more caring and understanding. She has a great memory, so she makes up for what I forget.”
You can donate to Alzheimer’s Support via their website or their JustGiving page: www.justgiving.com/alzheimerssupport
