Mike will be warmly remembered as a passionate campaigner and advocate for people living with Dementia for many years along with his wife Liz, a retired nurse. He was dedicated to his work and cared deeply about his family and friends, and everyone affected by Dementia.
Many people will have known Mike and Liz through their work with the Dementia Carers’ Expert Reference Group (DCERG). Family and friends joined Liz on November 29th at a gathering celebrating Mike’s life. Everyone in Dementia United and DCERG sent their condolences to Liz and family, and he will be sadly missed.
Mike was a retired RAF Pilot from Rochdale who had travelled all over the world. Mike and Liz, as highly respected speakers at clinical commissioning groups, patient participation groups, conferences and university events, contributed their knowledge and expertise with great generosity over many years.
After marrying in 1993, Liz and Mike worked together to set up and run a charity in Nicaragua, developing a network of trained primary care professionals and setting up pharmacies to deliver health care in deprived areas.
Later in life, as members of DCERG, they became involved in many projects shaping dementia services across the region. They were particularly interested in end of life care, post diagnostic support, delirium and transport. They took part in research into the impact of live music on the wellbeing of people living with dementia. They found that music cafes could help avoid isolation, bring a smile to their faces and keep the brain active.
Liz and Mike were also involved in an early detection project for Delirium and experienced first-hand the benefits of a quick diagnosis tool at Salford Royal.
Mike loved what he was involved with at Dementia United, it gave him so much hope for the next Mike and Liz. It gave him purpose and courage to face his illness and not let it define him. Liz Brookes
Liz and Mike shared the view that a diagnosis of dementia does not have to be the end of a journey, and that with the right support, many people can continue to live well, as they did for many years after Mike’s diagnosis.
Mike always acknowledged his diagnosis of Dementia and from the onset made advanced decisions with Liz. Mike was a special man who lived positively. Liz educated several professionals to help with the care of Mike and others with Dementia, a true legacy. Ruth Turner, chair of DCERG
Mike fought his dementia every step of the way, wanting to continue to do all the things he had always done, for as long as he could. I am so proud of his contributions to DU, honoured to have supported him – and blessed with some wonderful memories. Liz Brookes
Liz will continue play a key role as part of our dementia programme in Greater Manchester. And Mike’s legacy will continue to send a vital message of hope and friendship to everyone affected by dementia.
