Exeter audience moved to tears by Private Eye cartoonist's memories of his dad's dementia

George Dawson
Authored by George Dawson
Posted Friday, June 30, 2017 - 5:05pm

Award-winning Private Eye Cartoonist Tony Husband was one of the special guests at an event organised by Exeter Dementia Action Alliance.

Tony read from his cartoon book Take Care, Son: My Dad living with Dementia.

Many in the audience were moved to tears by Tony’s memories.

Equally as touching was the appearance of Sara and Barrie Carless, who are living locally with dementia

The event was hosted by Stephens Scown Solicitors and among the other special guests was The Lord Mayor of Exeter Councillor Lesley Robson.

The Lord Mayor said: "What was so wonderful was that I attended the alliance's very first event two years ago in my role as Deputy Lord Mayor.

“To see such significant growth in this short time since then is truly remarkable. Tony Husband's journey from Manchester for the two-hour event illustrated the credibility of the alliance". 

Emily Winslow representing Stonehaven Care Group, another member of EDAA, said "Thank you so much for inviting us to a wonderful, if emotional afternoon! What an amazing man Tony is. I loved hearing him talking about his father. I thought everyone who spoke did so in such a warm and positive way, I left feeling uplifted, and so pleased to be involved with the alliance in some small way, in the work that you do".

“The humility and emotion in the room made this intimate event of 35 attendees a truly memorable afternoon.”

Marc Astley who attended from Astley Media said: “Not only is Tony Husband a superb Cartoonist but also a beguiling story teller. His account of his dad’s dementia is an upbeat tear jerker.”

Gina said "I have received such wonderful responses which highlight how open and honest events like these are so pivotal in our work towards a dementia friendly community and is our fundamental approach. Having Sara and Barrie there was an important inclusion to our event. Everyone was touched by their personal story.”

Robert Camp, managing partner of Stephens Scown said:  "This was a truly inspirational event and we were delighted to host it for EDAA.  Tony Husband’s talk was insightful and helpful. He talked about his relationship with his father and their journey together facing dementia.  It sparked a lot of discussion in the room with people sharing their own stories.”

The Lord Mayor addressed the attendees at the end after Gina had thanked everyone for their support and expressed her personal gratitude to Gina.

"I had a superb time at the Exeter Dementia Action Alliance event". said Tony Husband. "A very emotional and informative afternoon organised by the wonderful Gina Awad"

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