A North London man, whose wife was diagnosed with dementia aged just 56, has won a prestigious award from Alzheimer’s Society for his tireless campaigning on behalf of people affected by the condition.
Trevor Salomon, of Harrow, received a Dementia Hero Award in the Campaigning and Influencing category at the ceremony in Birmingham’s Grand Hotel, which was hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter and Good Morning Britain newsreader, Marverine Cole, and sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare.
Trevor has supported numerous Alzheimer’s Society campaigns, including helping to launch Dementia Action Week outside Parliament alongside actor, presenter and writer Sir Tony Robinson, one of the charity’s ambassadors, and its CEO Kate Lee.
After receiving his award, presented to him by event judge and carer Versha Patel, Trevor said: “To win an award feels beyond amazing. I had no expectation even though I was on the shortlist. If you’ve been touched by dementia and you can use your voice, it’s very important that you do.
“And everyone who does, whether it’s to raise awareness of dementia or to help people living with it, and carers, everyone’s a hero and everyone deserves an award.
“The highlight of the ceremony for me is just networking with people and meeting people I’ve often only met on Zoom before. It’s just brilliant, it’s so nice to return to normal, and this is a magnificent celebration of people who have put something back into helping those with dementia.”
The Campaigning and Influencing Award honours those who use their influence to champion the uniquely powerful voices of those with dementia, improving the lives of everyone who has a diagnosis.
Eleven winners including Trevor, from across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, received awards. The ceremony on April 28, attended by nearly 200 guests, celebrated professionals, community groups and members of the public for their inspirational achievements in involving and caring for people with dementia, finding innovative solutions in research, and campaigning for the rights of people with dementia.
Trevor, one of three finalists in his category, has been involved with a huge amount of Alzheimer’s Society’s media work through sharing his story.
Despite a deterioration in his wife Yvonne’s health, he has been described in his nomination as “generous, articulate and honest in his engagement.”
He has been at the forefront of the charity’s campaigning over the last few years, always bending over backwards to accommodate the Public Affairs and Campaigns team’s requests of him.
His blog for Alzheimer’s Society, on the person-centred care his wife receives and how this has improved her life with dementia, has been fundamental to the charity’s campaigning and influencing efforts.
Through this blog and Trevor’s engagement with the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on dementia, he has shared his family’s experiences of the condition and encouraged political stakeholders to take direct action to ensure that all people affected by dementia can access the same excellent care and support Yvonne has been able to enjoy.
Hosting the event was Good Morning Britain’s newsreader Marverine Cole who said: “This is my first time hosting the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero awards and I am truly honoured to be in the room with such incredible people who are dedicating their lives to helping others dealing with the condition.
“My family and my husband’s side of the family have witnessed the effects of dementia during this decade, both on the person living with it and their carers. This means I deeply understand the adversity people are going through so these awards are set to be a magnificent celebration of selfless people from across the UK.”
Kate Lee CEO at Alzheimer’s Society said: “I’m really proud of all our winners in this year’s Dementia Hero Awards. It’s been so inspiring to hear the stories of people, groups and organisations across the UK going the extra mile. Every single nominee deserves a platform in recognition of their hard work and commitment to helping and involving people living with dementia.
“One in three people born today will develop dementia in their lifetime. Alzheimer’s Society provides help and hope to people affected by dementia and we won’t rest until people living with dementia and their carers live more fulfilled and less fearful lives, free from stigma and inequality. We can’t do it alone, that’s why change makers like our Dementia Heroes are so vital.”
To view all Dementia Hero Awards 2023 winners visit alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaheroawards
