Moffat becomes dementia ambassador

Supercars Hall of Famer Allan Moffat hopes to use his own experience with Alzheimer’s disease to help others.

The four-time Australian Touring Car Champion and Bathurst winner has been named as a Dementia Australia ambassador, raising funds and awareness for the condition.

Moffat, 80, was first diagnosed with the early stages of dementia four years ago.

Former rivals and lifelong friends Larry Perkins and Fred Gibson play a key support role for Moffat alongside his son Andrew and long-time manager and friend, Phil Grant.

“By speaking up about my experience with Alzheimer’s disease, I can encourage others to seek support and know that they are not alone if they have concerns about themselves or a loved one,” said Moffat.

“With my mates there to support me I am able to continue to experience my life to the full and can still make regular public appearances and meet my fans – something that I truly value.”

Moffat has been named as a Dementia Australia ambassador alongside Formula 1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart, whose wife Helen has been living with dementia since 2014.

Sir Jackie previously founded ‘Race Against Dementia’, a global charity, to fund pioneering research into the prevention and cure of dementia.

“Helen’s condition has had a devastating impact on my family, as it does for millions of families living with dementia around the world,” Sir Jackie said.

“I am now facing one of the biggest challenges of my life and will put all my efforts into finding a cure for this disease.

“I am very proud to be taking on this role as an Honorary International Dementia Australia Ambassador and hope to continue to raise awareness and increase research into prevention and cure for dementia.”

Stewart and Moffat will be officially welcomed as Dementia Australia Ambassadors at Sir Jackie Stewart’s 80th Birthday Australian Tribute charity fundraising event on Friday 13 March at Margaret Court Arena, Melbourne.

Donations to the event will fund grants for early-career dementia researchers with an Australian base, who will join the global Race Against Dementia Fellowship Program.