Dementia Australia has paid tribute to British racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart for his commitment to raising awareness and vital funds to support people living with dementia, their families and carers.
To coincide with the 2022 Australian Grand Prix in April, an event to celebrate Sir Jackie was held in his honour at Centrepiece at Melbourne Park to raise funds for Race Against Dementia - Dementia Australia Research Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowships.
Race Against Dementia is a global charity founded by Sir Jackie to fund pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia after his wife, Helen, was diagnosed with it and he discovered there was no cure.
Dementia Australia Research Foundation chair Professor Graeme Samuel thanked Sir Jackie for his extraordinary leadership in supporting dementia research.
"With an estimated half a million Australians living with dementia and the disease being the second leading cause of death of Australians and the leading cause of death of Australian women, research into dementia is now more urgent than ever," Professor Samuel said.
"We acknowledge and thank Sir Jackie and Race Against Dementia for their generous support of dementia research and look forward to continuing this valuable relationship."
Fellowship program
Earlier this year, Dr Karissa Barthelson was announced as the recipient of the Race Against Dementia - Dementia Australia Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowship program.
Sir Jackie, a Dementia Australia patron, said he was delighted to fund research.
"Since my wife Helen was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia in 2014, I have tried to encourage more and better research into dementia," he said.
"This disease kills so many people - we need to find more effective ways of dealing with it.
"We need more action and more financial support now.
"The race is on. We must beat this terrible disease before even more people, and their families, have to face dementia.
"This is the greatest challenge of my life."
Click here for more information.
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
