Ian Carter was bounced into a premature early retirement when he was diagnosed with frontal-temporal dementia at the age of 59, in July 2024. Realising that ‘the hardest thing about this condition is motivation’, Ian decided to make things happen himself by setting up the No Tier Snooker in Congleton, a place where people with a similar diagnosis and their carers could come for a couple of hours of play and chat. In the remarkably short space of 12 months Ian has attracted both sponsorship and big names in snooker (Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and WPBSA coach Chris Lovell) to support his idea and other areas are now opening up similar clubs under the ‘No Tier’ brand.
Jan Casson
Jan Casson
Jan Casson is a pioneering GP Linkworker at Well Up North ensuring that GP practices become not only dementia friendly but compassionate responders at the heart of primary care. She extended her reach becoming the driving force behind Memory Laners Music Group, a vibrant and hugely loved group for people living with dementia and their carers in Berwick. Her commitment to collaboration extends to work with many other local organisations on matters ranging from advice and information, transport, hospital support, research and the Dementia Strategy Steering Group.
Ronald Amanze
Ronald Amanze
Ronald Amanze is living with dementia in a way that brings creativity and a deep humanity to the spaces he enters. He translates complex feelings into beautiful poetry and inspires people across all communities to live life fully and without apology. In his contribution to EMPOWER Dementia Network and elsewhere, Ronald brings a willingness to learn and perspectives that enable others to feel that they too can act to make a positive difference.
Sandra Hastings
Sandra Hastings
Sandra Hastings founded Silverline Memories after experiencing first-hand how little support existed for families facing dementia, and she has spent the past 12 years turning that insight into life‑changing action. She created the North East’s only dedicated dementia activity centre, today supporting over 100 families with compassion, dignity, and genuine connection. An independent 2024 Impact Evaluation highlights the profound difference she makes, with carers describing the service as “a drop of happiness on a difficult journey.”
Victoria Brown
Victoria Brown
Victoria Brown’s Dad had a grim hospital experience at the end of his life with dementia. As a result Victoria, herself an experienced nurse, founded Dave’s Legacy to shift the perspectives of both hospital staff and also family carers to something more empathetic and grounded in the practical realities facing families and people living with dementia in hospital. Her innovative teaching package has been adopted by Manchester Foundation Trust and other organisations to help staff truly connect with the human reality behind a dementia diagnosis.
Wendy Burton
Wendy Burton
The dementia community in Derbyshire is keenly supporting Wendy Burton’s nomination for the People’s Choice Award. For many years she has cared for her husband, who has young onset dementia, whilst working for the dementia charity Making Space. Since retiring, Wendy has continued as an expert by experience, shaping the Derbyshire 2025–30 Dementia Strategy, co‑chairing the Dementia Together Co‑production group, chairing the Rare Dementias Group, engaging Derbyshire’s deaf community, and producing a podcast on young onset dementia – showing her unwavering commitment to those touched by young onset dementia.
Specific Judging Criteria:
The winner is chosen by vote by Dementia Community members.
Evidence of exceptional impact deeply valued by individuals, families, or groups.
Alignment with the values of learning, sharing, compassion, and inspiration.
Demonstration of authenticity, trust, and lived-experience influence.
Stories or testimonials that clearly show how the nominee has made a meaningful difference.
Voting for the People’s Choice – Terms and Conditions
Voting is open to all Members of Dementia Community, i.e. Community Members and Investor Members. If you aren’t a member and want to vote, please Join here for £1.
Each Member is entitled to one vote. In the event that a Member casts more than one vote, their last vote will be used.
In order to maximise accessibility, we do NOT require members to log in to the website, but instead to provide their email address (the one used in joining the Society) when casting their vote.
In the event that an email address match is not found, we may use reasonable efforts to identify the Member, or may discount the vote. Our objective is always to provide a good service to Members.
In determining the winner, the Judges’ decision is final. For the avoidance of doubt and without restricting the Judges’ powers, the Judges may discount votes if foul play is suspected, or may cast a deciding vote in the event of a tie. No negotiations will be entered into.
The information collected on the voting form will be used only for the purposes of administering the People’s Choice Award.
Voting closes on 23 April 2026, 5pm.
The winner will be announced on 30 April 2026 at the UK Dementia Awards, and the announcement will be shared on this website, Dementia Community’s social media channels, through a mailshot to members and in the Journal of Dementia Care.
