England legend met local attendees affected by dementia at the new café, set up as part of the partnership between Alzheimer's Society and The Football Association (FA)

People affected by dementia at a new Alzheimer's Society Memory Café inside Wembley Stadium connected by EE were pleasantly surprised by an unexpected encounter with football legend, Stuart Pearce. The former England and Nottingham Forest defender dropped into a session at the café, which opened in April to provide a safe and welcoming space for people living with dementia in the local area.

Pearce, who grew up and worked in Brent before his football career took off, regaled visitors to the café with stories from his playing days, as well as happy memories of growing up in the area.

Pearce and his wife Carol also took part in a Singing for the Brain session, delighting the group by joining them to sing and dance to a variety of well-loved songs. He also shared his own personal experience of dementia, which affected a member of Carol’s family.

Stuart Pearce said: “It was fantastic to come to Wembley Stadium and meet some of the people benefiting from the Memory Café here. Brent is very close to my heart, so it meant a lot to experience this fantastic initiative in person, made possible by Alzheimer’s Society, The FA and the team at Wembley.

“The day was full of positive energy, and it was clear to see the impact that it has on those people affected by dementia who came, so I hope now even more people in the local area will come along to enjoy it.”

The Memory Café at the iconic stadium comes as part of Alzheimer’s Society’s partnership with The FA, which is now in its fourth season. Sessions are run by the charity, with additional support from FA staff volunteers, offering an opportunity for people to share their dementia experiences, get involved in roundtable discussions, meet guest speakers and take part in different activities each week.

The café is open to anyone affected by dementia, as well as those with mild cognitive impairment or concerned about their memory, and provides tailored, culturally appropriate services suitable for the diverse community in the Brent area.

Taiyaba Zeria, Alzheimer’s Society’s Local Services Manager who helps run the sessions, said: “Stuart was a wonderful addition to this week’s session – he took the time to connect individually with many of the people who attend the cafe, which I know means a lot.

“Whether people come along to keep active, get some advice, or just to have a place to meet others who can relate to what they are going through, they often find sessions like these make a huge difference when they or someone they know has dementia.”

Saira Mirza, Corporate Social Responsibility Manager at The FA, added: “We’re delighted to welcome local residents of Brent to Wembley Stadium's Memory Café. The FA’s partnership with Alzheimer’s Society provides us with unique opportunities like this, to create something that can make a tangible difference to the day-to-day lives of people affected by dementia.”

This week (19-25 May) marks Dementia Action Week. Around one million people are living with dementia in the UK and more than a third of them do not have a diagnosis. Thousands of people are facing the devastating realities of dementia without access to the vital care, support and treatment that a diagnosis can bring. An early and accurate diagnosis is crucial to manage symptoms, live independently for longer, and avoid ending up in a crisis.

If you’re worried about yourself, or someone close to you, then check your symptoms today using Alzheimer’s Society’s symptom checklist. Visit alzheimers.org.uk/checklist or call their Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.