Musician 'Naughty Boy' joins Dementia UK as its ambassador

DJ, songwriter and musician ‘Naughty Boy’, who pays for live-in care for his mum who has dementia, has joined the charity Dementia UK as a celebrity ambassador.

Shahid Khan who recently appeared on ITV's Good Morning Britain discussing the impact lockdown has had on his mum, is supporting the charity which helps care for the person with dementia and their families.

Talking about his new charity role, the musician and songwriter said: “I’m so proud to announce that I’m an ambassador of Dementia UK and I hope that I can use my profile to raise awareness of the cause and the charity.

“With my mum’s ever-changing condition and the pressures this places on the wider family, I understand how beneficial an Admiral Nurse would be.”

He added: “I’m learning about dementia all the time so I’m hoping that the relationship will be mutually beneficial and I’ll be able to find out more from the amazing Admiral Nurses at the charity, so that I can provide my mum with the best care possible. In fact, I have already called Dementia UK’s Helpline which I know will continue to be a vital source of support for me as my mum’s condition develops.”

The Grammy-nominated artist joins a growing number of ambassadors for the charity including actors Jim Broadbent, Phyllis Logan, Judy Parfitt and Lorelei King and athlete Adelle Tracey, all of whom have personal experience of dementia in their family.

Shahid took part as Jay Gatsby in Dementia UK’s celebri-tea photoshoot earlier in the year, and also features in a new awareness raising film for the charity.

The ‘Lives on Hold’ video explains how life for carers of people living with dementia is similar to living in lockdown for many months, and even years. Shahid appears alongside Dementia UK ambassadors, supporters, staff and Admiral Nurses to raise awareness of the needs of people with dementia as lockdown eases.

Hildo Hayo, chief executive and chief admiral nurse at Dementia UK, said: “We are so pleased that Shahid is joining our growing roster of celebrity ambassadors.

“With his personal experience of dementia, he will allow us to speak to a younger audience who may be struggling with the effects of dementia on their family.”

Dementia UK provides specialist dementia support for families through its Admiral Nurse service.