A Scottish man who worked for five years as a full-time carer for his mother came to community hospitals in Epsom, Leatherhead and West Molesey this week as part of his mission to raise awareness of dementia.

Surrey Comet:

Tommy Whitelaw speaks to his audience at Leatherhead Community Hospital on Wednesday, February 3

New Epsom and Ewell Community Hospital, Leatherhead Community Hospital and Molesey Hospital welcomed ‘Tommy on Tour’ on Wednesday, February 3.

Tommy Whitelaw started touring Scotland’s towns and cities to engage with thousands of carers and health and social care professionals in 2011 a year before his mother Joan died.

He is now closing in on 400 talks across the UK in his bid to raise awareness of the impact of dementia on families and the importance of empowering carers in carrying out their role.

Mr Whitelaw, who is a project engagement lead with the Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland’s Alliance Scotland's Dementia Carer Voices Project, said: "The experience of caring for my mum undoubtedly brought great challenges, stress, isolation and sadness, but it was a role carried out through love and we enjoyed many touching moments of joy and satisfaction.

“Those special moments live long in my memory, and gave me a real boost of strength to get through the difficult times, and continue to do so now.

"Everyone affected by dementia has a unique story to tell and by sharing our experiences we can help to tackle the misunderstandings surrounding dementia and offer hope to people in the same situation."

Surrey Comet:

Tommy Whitelaw flanked by audience members June Ewart and Jo Krzysztofik

Phillippa Head, rehabilitation assistant at Leatherhead Community Hospital said: “I found it incredibly moving listening to Tommy talk about his mum.

“He spoke of her with such affection and it really highlighted to me the huge need to support carers of people with dementia as they have such an overwhelming job to do and can feel they have nowhere to turn.”

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