Somerset man commended in Parliament for Alzheimer’s charity work

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Bea Swallow

BBC News, West of England

Brian Standring Brian, who has grey hair and wears a yellow and blue skydiving suit, gives two thumbs up to the camera as he skydives. He is attached in tandem to an instructor, who is wearing all black. Brian Standring

Brian Standring has complete four skydives to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society

An 86-year-old man has been recognised in Parliament for his dedication to charity work.

Brian Standring, who lives in Wellington, Somerset, recently completed his fourth skydive to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society following his close friend’s diagnosis in 2012.

His name was put forward for recognition in the House of Commons by his local MP Gideon Amos, who commended his efforts as a “marvellous achievement”.

While there, Mr Standring raised a discussion on how Parliament may be able to better support dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnoses, social care and treatments.

During the trip, he was presented with a printed copy of an Early Day Motion tabled in his honour, recognising his years of voluntary service and recent aerial fundraising feat.

“It just left me speechless,” Mr Standring told BBC Radio Somerset.

“It’s such a great gift which I appreciated so very much.”

Gideon Amos MP Gideon Amos wearing a pale blue collared shirt, orange tie and beige blazer. He is posing for a picture beside Brian Standring, who is wearing a blue branded Alzheimer's Society shirt and holding the document that shows his name was put forth for recognition. They are standing on a stone balcony outside the House of Commons, with the London Eye visible in the background.Gideon Amos

MP Gideon Amos (L) commended Brian Standring (R) for his “marvellous achievement”

Mr Standring has spent much of the past decade supporting people with Alzheimer’s, as well as raising awareness of it.

He has earned awards for his work with the organisation, sat on its volunteer advisory panel and helped organise fundraising efforts at his home.

“Around one million people in the UK live with dementia. It is the UK’s leading cause of death and the economic impact of dementia is profound,” he said.

“One of the main reasons for my visit and meeting with Gideon… was to explore whether and how he may be able to support the importance of dementia, locally, and at Westminster nationally.”

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