We are Lee and Andrew Pearse, brothers from Sheffield and co-founders of The Valerie Foundation.

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Our journey began when our mum, Val, was diagnosed in her 50s with frontotemporal dementia. Over time, we watched as the condition gradually changed every part of her life, affecting her communication, personality, and independence. Alongside our dad, we became her carers, learning first-hand how isolating, complex, and emotionally challenging dementia can be for both the person diagnosed and their family.

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After our mum passed away in 2015, we made a decision not to step away from dementia, but to stay and do something meaningful in her memory. The Valerie Foundation was created to honour her life and to support others who are navigating similar experiences.

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Through the foundation, we work to provide practical support, connection, and moments of joy for people living with dementia and their carers. This includes running peer support groups, creative activities, and innovative initiatives such as animal-assisted therapy sessions in care settings, which we have seen bring comfort, spark communication, and reduce anxiety.

At the heart of everything we do is a simple aim: to make sure that no one faces dementia alone.