Cymru will take part in a powerful and emotional moment of unity at Wembley Stadium this month, as players will walk out side by side with fans living with dementia ahead of the international friendly against England.
In a landmark initiative delivered by Alzheimer’s Society and The Football Association (FA), supported by the Football Association of Wales (FAW), 22 fans living with dementia, nominated from across Wales and England, will walk out alongside the players in place of the traditional child mascots.
The mascots will join both squads for the national anthems, to call on fans across the UK to help end the devastation of dementia by donating, campaigning, or seeking support for themselves or loved ones affected.
Among those selected to walk out with Cymru is Chris Griffiths, a life-long Cardiff City and Cymru supporter whose diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease came as a devastating shock to his family.
Football has played a huge role throughout Chris’ life, from playing in local leagues to refereeing youth and adult matches. His love of the game runs in the family, with his father once playing for Barry Town and trialling for Arsenal.
Despite his diagnosis, Chris remains a regular at Cardiff City Stadium, attending Cymru and City games with his son and brother. He’s also actively involved in Cardiff City Foundation’s 1927 Club, which supports people living with dementia. Chris was nominated for this special honour by the Cardiff City Foundation and recently met with one of Cymru’s legends, Joe Ledley, to chat about his experiences.
“He absolutely loved meeting Joe,” said Lee, Chris’ son. “Football in general has been a big part of his life and I think it helps bond everybody together and gives them something to talk about.
“I think that’s what he values as much as anything, everyone just being together and enjoying whatever event it is.
“It was a shock prior to the diagnosis, but as you can see he’s still of fun, and we’re really grateful for the experience he’s going to have up in Wembley.”
Why won’t the players have names on their shirts?
During the second half of the match, Cymru players will return to the pitch without their names on the backs of their shirts, a symbolic act highlighting memory loss, one of the most common symptoms of dementia.
This powerful gesture mirrors similar campaigns by England in previous Alzheimer’s Society Internationals and will see both sides united in raising awareness of the condition.
FAW CEO Noel Mooney said: “At the FAW, we believe football has the unique power to bring people together, to unite communities, and to shine a light on important issues like dementia. That’s why we are proud to stand alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and The Football Association in this historic moment at Wembley.
“By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone. It takes a united team, on and off the pitch, to provide the care, compassion, and understanding needed to support those affected by this condition.
“We encourage everyone to join us in supporting this cause, helping to raise awareness, funds, and hope for the future of all those affected. Together, we can make a difference.”
Alex Hyde-Smith, Chief Marketing Officer at Alzheimer’s Society added: “This year’s Alzheimer’s Society International promises to be a historic night, showcasing so many different experiences of dementia and providing a special moment for our mascots and their families.
“We know beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort, and football is the ultimate team game. Players need their teammates, coaching staff and fans to support them, and likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, carers and doctors. It will take a society to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a role to play.”
