A MAN living with dementia from Mold has been announced as one of five new ambassadors for the UK’s leading dementia charity Alzheimer’s Society.

Jim Ibell, aged 63, was diagnosed with dementia in 2015 and has previously worked with the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust to make their services more dementia friendly.

The new ambassadors living with dementia are part of the wider Alzheimer’s Society programme of vice-president, patrons and ambassadors.

The programme unites key supporters in the fields of business, the arts, science, politics, the media, sport and those living with dementia, who are able to use their skills to ultimately beat dementia.

The ambassador programme, established in 2007, has achieved remarkable results in its eleven years of influencing, fundraising and awareness-raising – transforming the landscape of dementia and working relentlessly for a cure.

The Living with Dementia ambassadors can be invited to local events across Wales where they will provide a crucial input into what life is like living with dementia.

When Mr Ibell was first diagnosed with dementia he felt dismissed by his GP who did not offer a lot of information or suggest a follow up visit.

It was only after talking to a local Alzheimer’s Society support worker that Jim began to feel that life after diagnosis was possible.

An accomplished public speaker, he has spoken to groups up and down the country on behalf of Alzheimer’s Society.

As a member of the North Wales Dementia Friendly Reference Group he has provided consultation for organisations such as the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust and Theatr Clwyd on how to be more dementia friendly.

Originally from Deeside, Mr Ibell has also started a dementia friendly community in Mold, bringing people together from all walks of life to support people with dementia.

He is passionate about giving back and improving the lives of people living with dementia in Wales.

In 2019 he opened the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru conference in Cardiff, sharing the stage with First Minister Mark Drakeford and Alzheimer’s Society Cymru director, Sue Phelps.

Sue Phelps, country director for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, said: “There are 45,000 people living with dementia in Wales and the condition is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes.

“Dementia can devastate lives and too many are facing the condition alone without adequate support and we want everyone affected by dementia to know that whoever they are, whatever they are going through, they can turn to Alzheimer’s Society for support, help and advice.

“Our Ambassador programme has achieved remarkable results in its eleven years of influencing, fundraising and awareness-raising and continues to unite key supporters with those living with dementia who are able to use their skills to ultimately beat dementia.”

Any organisations wishing to invite Jim Ibell to an event or interview can contact Lindsey Ambrose, Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Voice Lead, on Lindsey.Ambrose@alzheimers.org.uk or by 07703 716 745.

To find out more about dementia and Alzheimer’s Society visit alzheimers.org.uk