Tony Christie's Story
Music legend and Sheffield Hospitals Charity ambassador, Tony Christie, revealed his dementia diagnosis in January 2023.
"Music is in my soul, and it still gives me joy and happiness on the darkest of days."
“I’ve been a fan of cryptic crosswords all my life and then suddenly a few years ago I started really struggling with them. I had gone from sailing through at least 2 or 3 a day to being so confused that I couldn’t finish one. My wife, Sue, also started noticing some changes in me like forgetting the names of people I had known for donkey’s years. At first, we just blamed it on my age, but Sue noticed I was starting to get more and more frustrated doing everyday tasks.
So, we decided it was time to see a doctor and that was when I received my diagnosis of early onset dementia. It was a shock. Even though we knew there was a problem, it’s just not something you think will ever happen to you.
Music is such a powerful trigger for improving symptoms associated with dementia. I’ve been very fortunate because I’ve been in the music business for over six decades now. Music is in my soul, and it still gives me joy and happiness on the darkest of days. When I received my diagnosis, I was worried I wouldn’t be able to carry on performing and that’s all I’ve ever known. But with a few adjustments, like an onstage monitor with the lyrics to my songs, I’m still singing as good as I ever did. I’m very fortunate that I can still do what I love, but I know that this isn’t the case for everyone.
Avenues and Alleyways is one of my favourite songs to perform and it always reminds me of growing up in and around Sheffield. I was delighted that the song was chosen to feature in the charity’s Christmas campaign last year to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for dementia care. I’m so grateful for the care my family and I have received from our NHS over the years. I’m proud to be an ambassador for Sheffield Hospitals Charity and I am asking you to make a donation today. You can help people like me live better with dementia.”
Tony Christie, Music legend and Sheffield Hospitals Charity Ambassador