Dementia Australia
Melbourne Cup winners Geoff and Sue Corrigan, half owners of Vow and Declare, today honoured the memory of Geoff's father and two close friends by donating $50,000 to Dementia Australia.
Mr Corrigan, the former Member for Camden in the NSW Parliament (2003-2011), said we wanted to give back to Dementia Australia to support people impacted and help to raise awareness in the community about dementia.
"My dad, Bill Corrigan had Alzheimer's disease for the final six years of his life and Sue and I were very affected by the terrible impact it had on him," Mr Corrigan said.
"Dad couldn't remember us and it was terrible to see this beautiful man deteriorate the way he did.
"I wouldn't wish dementia on my worst enemy.
"Another friend Grant McBride, the former Member for the Entrance in the NSW Parliament died last year with dementia after retiring in 2011.
"Grant was the Minister for Gaming and Racing and he and I had a charity harness race at Harold Park in 2006.
"I had lunch with Grant a few months before his death and was shocked at how quickly he'd deteriorated.
"And on the Friday before The Cup Sue and I attended the funeral of Kim Caines a long-time friend in Camden.
"Her death affected us, probably more than dad and Grant as it happened so quickly. She was our age."
Dementia Australia Acting CEO, Anthony Boffa said Geoff and Sue Corrigan's donation was a beautiful tribute to Geoff's father and their close friends Grant and Kim.
"I commend Geoff and Sue for their generosity and commitment to making a difference to the lives of people living with dementia, their families and carers," Mr Boffa said.
"It is so important for people impacted by dementia in our community to share their own experiences and help others to know they are not alone.
"If this story does prompt any concerns or questions for people they are very welcome to call the National Dementia Helpline on 1800 100 500 for support, information or just for a chat."
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Dementia Australia is the national peak body and charity for people, of all ages, living with all forms of dementia, their families and carers. It provides advocacy, support services, education and information. An estimated 447,000 people have dementia in Australia. This number is projected to reach almost 1.1 million by 2058. Dementia Australia's services are supported by the Australian Government.
National Dementia Helpline 1800 100 500
Interpreter service available
(The National Dementia Helpline is an Australian Government Initiative)
Dementia is a National Health Priority Area www.dementia.org.au
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