A Surrey tree officer is leading a special vintage vehicle challenge this weekend to support families affected by dementia. Emma Rivett is joining 20 other drivers for the charity drive to raise vital funds in memory of her beloved father. The unique event runs from June 5, 2026 to June 7, 2026 to coincide with a major national fundraising appeal.
The challenge comes as new research shows that nearly two-thirds of people affected by the condition in the South East say it impacts their daily life. Statistics indicate that nearly one million people in the UK are currently living with dementia, including 18,900 residents in Surrey.
Emma decorated all 25 participating vehicles with beautiful forget-me-not flowers that she crocheted by hand. The devoted daughter wanted to give back to the charity after experiencing the rapid decline of her father firsthand.
Emma said: “We first noticed that dad was getting a little forgetful a decade before his diagnosis (which took six years). He would ask a question that you had already answered or forget his words mid-sentence. Initially, we joked with him that he was having ‘a senior moment’. Dad was very smart and always kept up to date with current affairs. He sailed through dementia tests, due to his intelligence and no one believed how bad it was. My step mum was caring for him and his frustration at these lapses of memory and missed words became too much for any of us to cope with. He was eventually diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and every time I was asked to ‘dad sit’ I could see how rapid his decline was. I spent hours on the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Forum, which taught me how to be around him and what might cause a meltdown. I was supported by an Admiral Nurse and an Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Adviser, who told me to go with him ‘on whatever adventure he was on’. One day we’d be dancing on a cruise, the next top flight gardeners, or I was his secretary. I just went with it. Eventually he went into a care home but later ended up in hospital. I was shocked when they told me he needed palliative care. I had no understanding how someone could die from a condition like Alzheimer’s. That’s why I am doing all I can to raise funds and awareness this June for the Forget Me Not Appeal.”
The recent study also highlighted that more than half of carers feel the role has damaged their mental health. Many families admit they suffer in silence and hide their true feelings from loved ones to avoid becoming a burden.
Charity leaders are encouraging local residents to support the campaign by proudly wearing a special badge this month. Kelly Inwood of the Alzheimer’s Society said: “Every day, we see the reality of dementia across the South East. Behind every diagnosis are families navigating emotional, financial and practical pressures that can quickly become overwhelming. Too often people feel they’re facing this alone, which is why support is so vital. At Alzheimer’s Society, we’re here to make sure no one has to go through dementia without help, guidance and someone to turn to. Our helpline is open seven days a week (on 0333 150 3456), our online Dementia Support Forum is available day and night and is a supportive community of people affected by dementia. Our website (alzheimers.org.uk) has guides for every stage of dementia which you can access online or order through our helpline. Alzheimer’s Society helps people affected by dementia feel supported, connected and understood.”
Residents can find out more about the ongoing campaign or make a donation by visiting the official Alzheimer's Society website.
