England and Wales to Walk Out with Fans Living with Dementia in Historic Alzheimer’s Society International

London, October 2025 – For the first time ever, players from the England and Wales national football teams will walk out side by side with 22 adults living with dementia at Wembley Stadium connected by EE. The symbolic moment will take place on Thursday, October 9, ahead of the international match between the two nations, as part of the Alzheimer’s Society International fixture.

A Historic First for Football and Dementia Awareness

Instead of the usual child mascots, fans living with dementia from across England and Wales will accompany players onto the pitch, lining up for the national anthems. The initiative aims to deliver a powerful message: it will take a united team to beat dementia, the UK’s biggest killer.

The 22 participants have been nominated by Alzheimer’s Society services, football clubs and foundations, and independent dementia organisations. Each represents the many different faces of dementia in the UK, showing that a diagnosis does not erase identity, passion, or the ability to enjoy life.

Football, Memory and Awareness

The event marks the fourth edition of the Alzheimer’s Society International since the charity partnered with the FA in 2021. In previous editions, England players returned to the pitch after half-time wearing shirts without their names to highlight memory loss, a common symptom of dementia. This poignant gesture will be repeated in the England vs Wales fixture.

Personal Stories at the Heart

One of the fans taking part is Andy Paul, 66, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2019. “I didn’t think at my age I’d ever do something like this, and I was absolutely overwhelmed when I heard the news,” Andy said. “I also hope it will show people that dementia isn’t necessarily what you might expect, and that being diagnosed doesn’t mean you suddenly stop doing the things you love.”

Andy learned of his selection in a surprise visit from England and Newcastle defender Dan Burn at St George’s Park, alongside fellow participant Nigel Palmer, 72. Burn admitted the meeting changed his perspective: “I was a bit nervous, as I wasn’t sure how to act. But Nigel and Andy weren’t what I was expecting at all. It opened my eyes to the assumptions people make about dementia.”

Leadership Voices

• Mark Bullingham, CEO of The FA: “The 22 people living with dementia who will walk out at Wembley will ensure this message resonates more than ever. Our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society continues to raise vital funds and awareness.”
• Alex Hyde-Smith, CMO, Alzheimer’s Society: “Football is the ultimate team game – and beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort. This historic night will show that everyone has a role to play.”
• Noel Mooney, CEO of the FAW: “By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone. Football has the unique power to unite communities.”

Beyond the Pitch

Throughout October, the Alzheimer’s Society will continue to use football as a platform to raise awareness, campaign for change, and encourage donations to support people affected by dementia. The initiative also highlights the role of sport in challenging stigma and inspiring solidarity.

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