Steelworks Santa from Porthcawl wins Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Hero Award

A man from Porthcawl has won a prestigious Dementia Hero Award in the category ‘Fundraising’.

The winners were announced at a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday 20 May, which were hosted by Alzheimer’s Society supporter TV presenter, writer and journalist, Richard Madeley. The Dementia Hero Awards took place during Dementia Action Week, which runs from the 17-23 May.

Steelworks Santa, aka Allan Evans, was one of three finalists in their category, Dementia Hero Award for Fundraising. This award recognised those organising or taking part in fundraising events or raising money in their community for Alzheimer’s Society throughout our emergency appeal, including individuals or groups such as corporates, associations or Volunteer Fundraising Groups.

The awards, which are sponsored by Tunstall Healthcare, took place virtually due to the coronavirus pandemic and showcased the stories of people doing outstanding things during the pandemic – Alzheimer’s Society’s dementia heroes.

Allan managed to bring magic, joy and hope to so many people across South Wales during the 2020 festive period. He, and his family, held a number of Covid-safe fundraising events allowing children across the wider area the chance to still see ‘the real Santa’ in what was a dark and bleak time for many. Allan raised more than £10,000 for Alzheimer’s Society.

Allan said: “Christmas in 2020 was totally different. We couldn’t visit homes or schools, and we couldn’t have grottos. Everything was on hold in the pandemic. So Pyle Garden Centre built a venue where Covid rules could be in place and children could still have a Santa experience. A lot of parents and grandparents thanked us on the way out – they wanted normality at Christmas time. It made it a special occasion for people.

“My mother-in-law had dementia so when we wanted to fundraise, Alzheimer’s Society came straight to mind. I can’t put into words the feeling of this terrible disease. It got to the point where my mother-in-law could no longer recognise her own family.

“It feels absolutely amazing to win this award. I didn’t expect to win – I was overwhelmed to be nominated. So far 2021 hasn’t been a very good year. We all went down with Covid in March, and my wife has been diagnosed with a rare cancer. It was a boost to find out we were nominated. It’s a wonderful feeling that people appreciate the effort we put in. When we heard we had won it took a while to sink in, then we stood up and shouted at the tops of our voices.”

Sue Phelps, Country Director for Wales at Alzheimer’s Society, said:

“Throughout the pandemic so many individuals, groups and organisations have gone above and beyond to support people affected by dementia. This year’s Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Hero Awards provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these unsung heroes.

“It’s been so inspiring to hear the stories of those dedicated to caring for people with dementia, finding innovative solutions in research, and the campaigners and media fighting for the rights of people living with dementia. They are all making difference. We are delighted that Steelworks Santa Allan has won the Fundraising award. He has done Wales proud.

“The past year has been tough for all of us. But imagine how much worse it would have been if you couldn’t understand why it was happening: why you no longer saw your loved ones; why your carers stopped visiting or why they wore masks. Tragically, this was the reality for tens of thousands of people living with dementia in the UK.

“Since the pandemic began, Alzheimer’s Society support services have been used 3.7 million times, showing that people affected by dementia need us now more than ever.”

For more details of the awards, including a full list of winners for the different award categories, visit www.alzheimers.org.uk/dementiaheroawards

To support Dementia Action Week (17-23 May 2021) visit alzheimers.org.uk/DAW, and for information, advice and support call Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456 or visit our website alzheimers.org.uk. If you speak Welsh, you can call our Welsh-speaking support line on 03300 947 400.