An Alzheimer’s Society campaigner from Spennymoor with lived experience of the illness has been celebrating the adventure of a lifetime after being selected as a mascot for England’s recent home friendly against Wales at Wembley Stadium.
Anita Goundry, who is also an avid Spennymoor Town fan, said: “A few weeks ago I had a Zoom call from the Alzheimer’s Society inviting me to be an England mascot at Wembley. It came as such a shock I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, so I did both.
“It only became real when I got the letter from the England head coach, Thomas Tuchel.”
Anita was diagnosed with young onset mixed dementia – a type of dementia that affects people under 65 and involves both Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia – after experiencing a stress-induced stroke at 50, although she first began experiencing symptoms of the illness in her mid-40s.
She decided then to move back to the town “to have a sense of where I belong for as long as possible,” she said.
“The day itself was amazing,” said Anita. “I have never felt such a buzz. The atmosphere was electric.
“Every player was warm and friendly, taking time to say hello and give a handshake or high five. I even got a couple of hugs.
“In no time it was the line-up in the tunnel and I was paired with Ollie Watkins and behind me was Anthony Gordon. I hadn’t realised how tall Dan Burn actually is!
“Then it was time to walk out to the deafening noise and the sea of people. The view was amazing, I couldn’t stop smiling.
“It was overwhelming singing the national anthem at Wembley – something I could only ever have dreamed of.
“I’m home now but still buzzing. I would like to thank STFC Supporters Club for helping me raise money by selling off my tickets to Wembley, which was donated to the Alzheimer’s Society.
“This is a memory I hope I can keep with me until my last days.“
To find out more about Alzheimer’s, how to to donate, or how to get involved, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.
I would like to thank STFC Supporters Club for helping me raise money by selling off my tickets to Wembley. This was donated to the Alzheimer’s Society. If you would like to donate please go to the Alzheimer’s Society web page.
Watch the Alzheimer’s Society video of the invitation to fans on YouTube:
Spennymoor's local community newspaper.
