A MATCH making service with a difference is making an appeal for Valentine’s Day.

The Alzheimer’s Society is trying to encourage people in the region to sign up to its Side by Side service to help people living with dementia meet people with similar interests.

Music lover Miranda Wheeler, from Bowburn, in County Durham, has been meeting former engineer and accordionist Bob Corriea, 91, from Newton Hall, near Durham city since last March.

The pair regularly attends concerts, visit the pub and listen to music together.

The 23-year-old assistant psychologist, who works at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, said: “I’ve always done volunteering and I’m interested in dementia, so Side by Side struck me as a really good idea.

“When I was told about Bob’s interest in music I thought we’d make a perfect match. We listen to jazz bands and choirs at workingmen’s clubs and other venues. We love it and often have a good gossip afterwards in the pub.”

Mr Corriea, a great grandfather who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2015, has been living alone since his wife Catherine died three years ago after 64 years of marriage.

He said: “I don’t think of myself as someone with dementia. I’m young at heart. I still enjoy life and look forward to my outings with Miranda.”

Carole MacMurtrie, the area’s Side by Side Coordinator, said: “Valentine’s Day is traditionally about seeking a romantic match – but this year, Alzheimer’s Society wants everyone to ditch the dating apps and connect with someone with dementia instead.

“Loneliness is a real problem for people with dementia, yet we know that one of the most important things for those affected is to remain part of their community and continue to do the things they love.”

  • Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to access the service should visit alzheimers.org.uk/sidebyside or call Ann-Marie Bainbridge on 0191-298 3989.