- Richard Thompson (Chair), Chair, England & Wales Cricket Board
- Richard Bevan, CEO, League Managers Association
- Catherine Bond Muir, Former CEO, W Series
- Mark Brittain, Chief Commercial Officer, Premiership Rugby
- Bill Bush, Executive Director, Premier League
- Andrew Georgiou, President of Sports, WB Discovery
- Simon Green, Former MD, BT Sport
- Tom Harrison, CEO, Six Nations Rugby
- Duncan Jones, Former Trustee, Alzheimer's Society
- Nick Keller, CEO, Benchmark / Chair, Beyond Sport
- Guy Kinnings, CEO, European Tour Group and Ryder Cup Europe
- Guy Lavender, CEO, Marylebone Cricket Club
- Andrew Lynch, Trustee, Alzheimer's Society
- James McDougall, Head of Commercial Affairs, Football Association
- Manish Shah, Former Trustee, Alzheimer's Society
- Niall Sloane, Director of Sport, ITV
- Bill Sweeney, CEO, Rugby Football Union
- Nevin Truesdale, CEO, The Jockey Club
- Marc Watson, Chief Commercial Officer, DAZN
Sport United Against Dementia
Uniting UK sport in the fight against dementia for the very first time.
What is Sport United Against Dementia?
Sport United Against Dementia is a pioneering Alzheimer's Society campaign, raising funds and awareness to tackle dementia – as a team.
Together we will improve lives now and in the future for current and former players, staff, supporters and fans across the nation who are affected by dementia.
Support Sport United Against Dementia
Why is Sport United Against Dementia important?
Dementia is the greatest long-term health crisis in the UK.
Over half of us are affected by dementia through someone we know, including millions of sports fans, professionals and ex-players.
In the UK alone, 900,000 people are living with the condition – enough to fill Wembley stadium ten times over.
Dementia can be truly devastating, stripping people of their memories, abilities, and connections to the world. But with the right support and investment in research, people can continue to enjoy life for longer and live well with dementia.
Sport has a unique role to play in making this possible. It connects people of all ages, races and backgrounds, builds memories that last a lifetime and engages people with dementia like nothing else.
Meet the team
Created in partnership with leaders from across the world of professional sport, SUAD is uniting clubs, governing bodies and individuals on an unprecedented scale.
We want this campaign to be a gamechanger. Together, we hope to leave a legacy by harnessing the unparalleled reach of sport to make a transformative difference to the lives of people affected by dementia today, and for generations to come.
Richard Thompson, Alzheimer's Society Ambassador and Chair of the Board, SUAD
'There are certain memories that you think will never fade, but sadly that's not always the case. What's important is to do all we can in sport to become as dementia friendly as possible, so the sports we love remain accessible to all.' Sir Geoff Hurst
'Sport connects with people on lots of levels. Those of us within sport can play an important role in helping people affected by dementia remain connected to their communities, which is why I signed up to be a Sport Champion.' Alex Stewart OBE
'Many of us might not know too much about dementia but SUAD provides us with a platform to talk about it more openly. Sport has unrivalled reach and I’m keen to do what I can to break down some of the stigma that exists around dementia.' Ben Kay MBE
- Martin Bayfield
- Alice Davidson-Richards
- Jack Draper
- Gemma Dryburgh
- Freddie Flintoff
- Sir Geoff Hurst
- Jermaine Jenas
- Ben Kay MBE
- Denis Law
- Hayley McQueen
- Harry Redknapp
- Jamie Redknapp
- Alec Stewart OBE
- Matt Wallace
How will Sport United Against Dementia make a difference?
Dementia support
- Using the incredible reach of sport, we can dramatically increase awareness of dementia. No one should have to face dementia alone, so it's vital that everyone has access to a diagnosis and the support we offer.
- We are creating dedicated referral routes from sporting bodies and clubs into our support services. This make it easier for people to gain the expert advice, guidance and information they need.
Dementia research
- We will further our understanding of the causes and risk factors for dementia, particularly in relation to sport.
- Through dedicated research projects such as PREVENT: RFC, we will examine whether former professional rugby and football players show more signs of early neurodegenerative disease like dementia. The project will investigate whether any differences in the brain can be associated with an athlete’s exposure to head injuries during their career.
Dementia friendly sport
- It's vital that people affected by dementia can stay connected to their communities to reduce loneliness and isolation. We are working with professional and grassroots sports clubs to ensure everyone affected by dementia can continue to enjoy the sports they love.
- We will create dedicated guidance and interventions that mean a diagnosis of dementia doesn’t stop people enjoying the sports – and social life - that matters to them.
Watch our video to see the difference sport can make to people like Peter, a former football referee who is living with dementia:
Support Sport United Against Dementia
*Photo of The Oval cricket ground via CPG Photography