Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day is back for its sixth year running. This year, it’s taking place on June 17th, so it’s time to start whipping up a batch of your favourite cupcakes!
Whether you’re baking for your neighbours, hosting a driveway cupcake sale on the day or you’re having a virtual ‘bake-off’ with friends and family, there are so many ways you can get involved with Alzheimer’s Society cupcake day and help raise money to support the 850,000 people living with dementia here in the UK.
Any funds raised will help support the amazing support services that Alzheimer’s society provide as well as the life changing research into preventing dementia. So whether you’re a star baker or a total novice, it’s time to get baking for this brilliant cause.
Award-winning actor Meera Syal CBE has joined forces with keen baker Dianne Gallimore, who is living with dementia to find out more about her journey with the disease.
The mum of three and grandmother of six was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s aged 59, a type of dementia that affects over 42,000 people in the UK. A keen family cook, Dianne has shared more about the impact of dementia on daily life, her job and her journey towards finding how it’s still possible to live well with dementia with the right support.
Meera Syal said: “Dianne was fantastic and incredibly articulate about what it’s like to live with dementia - she is living proof that it’s not the end when you get diagnosed with dementia. She is surrounded by love, she’s having a fulfilling life, she’s still doing things that she loves and she’s getting so much out of it.
“My father was diagnosed with dementia in the summer of 2012. He passed away in September 2018. The support we received from Alzheimer’s Society was invaluable, so being able to help the charity that was a lifeline to my family has been very rewarding.
“It’s also an incredible way for me to remember my Dad - the more I get involved in the work of Alzheimer’s Society, the more determined I am to give it all I’ve got to make a difference. Hundreds of thousands of families in the UK are impacted by dementia, and I feel strongly that people shouldn’t face this alone or without the very best support - even more so over the last year, when we have seen so many people affected by dementia cut off from their routines, their hobbies and sadly even the people they love, with so many in a state of confusion about why life has been so different.”
Dianne added: “Meera and I had a great time baking our favourite cupcakes and it was a real honour talking to her about my journey with dementia.
“Over the past year, for me, and for many others with dementia, the isolation caused by lockdown has been tough to deal with – a loss of routine and a lack of social contact has had such an impact on those with my condition. But I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been able to form a bubble with our son Adam and his wife Lindsay. The support I have had from them has been lifesaving. It has also allowed me to see my grandchildren, which has been so therapeutic, and I feel blessed to have such a caring and understanding husband in George.
“Getting my diagnosis was very upsetting for myself, my husband George and the whole family. I must admit, I shed a few tears and became anxious and distressed. It’s the fear that you can’t operate how you used to be able to operate. You’re worried that people expect more of you. If I’m going out, I have to double check everything, make sure I know where I’m going, and the route. Otherwise, I get very anxious.
“But with the support of George and the family, I realised it wasn’t the end. It was something I had to face up to. I decided to focus on getting as much support as I could, take on board the diagnosis, and do everything in my power to help stop the disease progressing.
“It has been a journey, but over time, and with help from Alzheimer’s Society, I’ve come to embrace the situation. I’m determined to live a full and happy life. You can still have fun and not have a good memory.
Alzheimer’s Society Chief Executive Kate Lee said: “It’s been an unprecedented year for people like Dianne - our support services have been used five million times since March 2020 and have been a lifeline to thousands, but there are so many more people throughout the region who urgently need our help.
“Each cupcake sold will make such a difference, as it will enable us to reach those who need it most. A huge thank you to both Meera and Dianne for opening up about the reality of having dementia – we hope it inspires people to dust off their aprons and get back in the kitchen this June!”
Baking ideas for cupcake day
Take a look at some of our favourite cupcake recipes that we'll be baking this Cupcake day, from vanilla cupcakes to irresistible chocolatey ones!
If cupcakes aren't your thing, there are so many other options that you can bake. If you're in need of inspiration, we've rounded up our top 20 baking recipes for you to have a go at including brownies, apple pie and even savoury tarts.