Story added: 6th December 2022
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.
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.
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"Before Duncan’s Club I felt like I had no support in caring for someone with dementia but now I do. Duncan’s Club has changed our lives."
Mary
Duncan's Club attendee
7th March 2023
Following the success of last year’s Active Canaries Health Month, thousands of primary school children will once again have the chance to eat like their footballing heroes during March.
6th December 2022
Duncan's Club, our support programme for people with dementia, has helped contribute to a breakthrough moment for 86-year-old attendee, Michael
18th October 2022
Sidney was struggling in school and in his personal life, the Foundation's Onside programme sought to change this.
10th October 2022
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, the Foundation are taking the chance to highlight the recent launch of two new programmes that focus on mental wellbeing
When you donate a little each month, you will be helping to transform the lives of local people of all ages who need our support – giving them the opportunity to connect with others like them, feel happier and healthier in themselves, and raise their aspirations.
We have Soccer Schools running at venues across Norfolk & Suffolk, and whether participants are new to football, or are already a budding Canary superstar, the Soccer Schools programme has been put together to provide a fun, holiday activity at an affordable price.
As Norwich City Football Club's official charity partner, we help thousands of people every year achieve their goals through sport, supporting some of the most disadvantaged, disabled and talented people across Norfolk. Our vision is to support, inspire, and improve our community.
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