A CAMPAIGNING South Tynesider has been invited to meet the Prime Minister’s wife.
Joe Grant’s battle to help Alzheimer’s sufferers will see him go to 10 Downing Street in London after an invitation from Samantha Cameron in honour of his work.
The delighted 84-year-old, from Compton Avenue, South Shields, will be travelling to the capital next month.
Mr Grant said: “I couldn’t believe it when I opened up the letter. I just thought it was a Christmas card.
“I think it’s absolutely wonderful to be invited.
“I am nothing special, not a celebrity or anything like that – I’m just a regular man.
“It’s such an honour for me and I can’t wait to go.
“It has to be the best Christmas present ever, and a great way to start off the New Year.” Mr Grant’s wife, Blanche, who died in June, aged 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2001.
Her husband has campaigned tirelessly for better treatment for sufferers and he’s still fighting to raise awareness of dementia.
It’s understood staff at Age UK South Tyneside, which is based in Beach Road, South Shields, sent cuttings of Mr Grant’s media coverage and all his correspondence with health chiefs on the subject of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
It’s thought the pensioner has been invited to discuss his campaigning work with the premier’s wife.
He said: “I know Age UK sent off some of my things to London, so I can only assume that’s the reason why I am being asked to go. I am extremely excited, and all the hard work of campaigning is paying off.”
Twitter: @shieldsgazvez
Comments