Ash frontman, Tim Wheeler releases album about father’s experience of dementia

Tim Wheeler of the band Ash has recorded a heartfelt debut solo album in response to the loss of his father, George, who lived with dementia. During the course of the 11 songs which make up 'Lost Domain', Tim charts the progression of his father's condition, battles to come to terms with his death and celebrates the strength of his family.

Tim will donate a percentage of the proceeds from the sales of 'Lost Domain' (out on 10 November) to Alzheimer's Society.* He is encouraging people to find out more about dementia and the small ways they can help by joining the Dementia Friends programme - the nation's biggest ever initiative to change people's perceptions of dementia.

The Ash frontman, who was behind a string of 90s chart hits including 'Girl from Mars','Oh Yeah' and 'Shining Light' has been supporting Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends initiative since May this year. Tim co-produced the music for the Dementia Friends TV advertisement which features a host of celebrities including Lilly Allen and Coldplay's Chris Martin singing along to the Beatles classic 'I get by with a little help from my friends'.

Tim says he hopes 'Lost Domain' will do more to raise awareness about dementia. He said:
'I started writing the songs for the album during the time when my father was first in hospital and his dementia was progressing. I came home one day from visiting him

and I began to write the song 'Medicine' as I was trying to understand what I was seeing, the experience I was going through and what my dad was going through. It was a really hard time but the closeness within my family made it a powerful bonding time as well.

'After losing my father to dementia, I felt the need to personally do something to fight the condition. My friend Neil Hannon from The Divine Comedy's father also has Alzheimer's so we put on a concert in Belfast in November 2011 with The Divine Comedy, The Undertones and Ash to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer's Society.

'Since then I've had close links with Alzheimer's Society and this year am involved with their Dementia Friends campaign. I'm proud to be a Dementia Friend and continue raising more awareness with the album Lost Domain.'

Alzheimer's Society's Chief Executive, Jeremy Hughes said:

'It is great to have an artist as talented as Tim raising awareness of dementia through his music. The album touches on the huge range of emotions people often go through when a person close to them has dementia and seems a fitting tribute to a man who clearly meant so much to him.

'Dementia touches the lives of millions of people across the UK but through the Dementia Friends programme we are able to tackle the stigma and lack of understanding that means many people with the condition experience loneliness and social exclusion.'

Tim is supporting Alzheimer's Society's Dementia Friends programme. Dementia Friends is a joint initiative with Public Health England funded by the Cabinet Office and Department of Health which helps people to understand a bit more about dementia and the little ways they can help. Find out more about the campaign and how to become a Dementia Friend at dementiafriends.org.uk.

Download photos of Tim and Tim with his father here: http://we.tl/am9KNZlrEy
Interviews with Tim Wheeler and Alzheimer's Society spokespeople are available upon request.
*10% of the proceeds from sales via Pledge Music http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/timwheeler will be donated to Alzheimer's Society. (ie £1.50 from a £15 album). Tim will also be making a donation from the royalties of the sale of this album outside of Pledge Music sales.
Listen to Tim's album here or view the video here
Become a Dementia Friend at http://www.dementiafriends.org.uk
-Ends-

Notes to editors:

Dementia Friends is a joint initiative with Public Health England funded by the Cabinet Office and Department of Health which helps people to understand a bit more about dementia and the little ways they can help.

Follow @Dementia Friends on Twitter.

225,000 will develop dementia this year, that's one every three minutes

Alzheimer's Society research shows that 850,000 people in the UK will have a form of dementia by 2015. In less than ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to two million people by 2051
Dementia costs the UK economy over £26 Billion per year. This is the equivalent of more than £30,000 per person with dementia.

Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them

Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland

Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today andfunds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk

Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0300 222 11 22 or visit alzheimers.org.uk

Press Office 08450 744 395 Email: press@alzheimers.org.uk