Tributes have been paid to a dementia campaigner who "worked tirelessly" to change the lives of those with the condition in Northern Ireland.
Liz Cunningham, who was a campaigner and ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society is set to be laid to rest on Monday, August 15, after passing away recently.
She has been hailed as someone who devoted themselves to changing the perception of those living with the disease, while working to improve their lives and people's understanding of lesser known symptoms.
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Diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 48, Liz decided to channel her energy into educating people about the condition and advocating for change.
She saw herself as ‘living proof’ you could lead a rich and happy life after diagnosis.
Through her work with the Alzheimer’s Society, she called the government to account and urged Ministers and MLAs to take action to improve the lives of people affected by dementia.
She also pushed through a number of initiatives in dementia care, including the development of training for staff in hospitals and in universities.
Liz also co-founded Dementia NI an empowerment charity for people living with dementia.
In 2019, 10 years after her diagnosis, Liz was given a lifetime achievement award by Alzheimer’s Society.
Speaking at the time she said: "I have lived my 10 years while working and trying to inform everybody about dementia.
"I have lived it with my children, grandchild and husband and we have had lots of laughter in the house."
Shortly afterwards her work caught the attention of American actor and presenter Oprah Winfrey who tweeted her admiration and support.
Paying tribute to Liz Bernadine McCrory, Alzheimer’s Society Norther Ireland Country Director said: “Liz’s campaigning changed the landscape of dementia in Northern Ireland.
“She worked tirelessly with us to raise awareness of dementia and the help and support we offer to people living with it.
“Her media worked helped challenge perceptions about dementia and helped people understand the lesser-known symptoms.
“She spearheaded our 20,000 Reasons campaign to improve services, never turning down an opportunity to raise awareness.
“In 2019, Liz’s work was recognised with our Lifetime Achievement Award at the Northern Ireland Dementia Friendly Awards, a one off award created in her honour and so richly deserved.
“We want to send our condolences to Liz’s husband Philip, their daughters Nikola and Lisa, and grandson she adored, Matthew. Liz’s legacy is one to be proud of.”
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