‘We forget how precious life is’ | Xavi shares impact of grandma’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis

Xavi Simons said, 'we forget how precious life is and how important the little things are' as he discussed the impact of his grandma’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis during a recent tour he gave her of our training facility at Hotspur Way.

Our Dutch attacking midfielder has also been showing his support for local people with dementia and their carers, joining a special session delivered by Tottenham Hotspur Foundation and Alzheimer’s Society.

Xavi said: “Alzheimer’s disease can come suddenly in a way we don’t expect. My grandma has lost a little bit of information. That’s hard because I know the woman she was and still is.

“She was always supporting me and my older brother, everything we did – she was my second mum. It’s really special to be at the point I am right now and to be able to bring her some joy.

“We try to enjoy the little moments we have together. We’re so busy with what we’re doing on a daily basis that maybe we forget how precious life is and how important the little things are.

“The illness is sad, but from a negative situation I try to see the positive way, so enjoying the little moments with her like playing games or going for a walk; that makes me be at peace.”

Xavi visited a special activity session at Southgate Methodist Church in Enfield this month, incorporating elements of our Foundation’s Active Memories programme and Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain initiative.

He said: “It’s a really positive thing to see the community and the good vibes here. It’s beautiful to help them. Being there and able to give them a little smile, I was happy to do it.”

The Foundation’s Active Memories programme, supported by the Premier League and Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ Fund, as well as the People’s Postcode Lottery, involves seated exercise and opportunities for participants to recall memories.

On top of this provision, the Foundation facilitates a weekly Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain session at our stadium, in partnership with Haringey Council’s Haynes Dementia Hub.

Simon Wears, Foundation health and wellbeing manager, said: “Xavi’s openness and compassion shine a powerful light on the realities of living with dementia.

“Through programmes like Active Memories and our partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, we aim to create safe, supportive spaces where people living with dementia and their carers can stay active, connected and valued.

“Seeing the joy these sessions bring – and the impact players like Xavi can have on our community – shows just how meaningful this work is.”

Tiziana Groom, Alzheimer’s Society local services manager in North London, said: “Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer, and there are currently around one million people in the UK with the condition. It’s an issue that touches the lives of so many in different ways, as Xavi knows himself. It will take a society to beat dementia and we’re so grateful Xavi has shared his experience to show that dementia can affect anyone.

“Services like Alzheimer’s Society’s Singing for the Brain and Tottenham Hotspur Foundation’s Active Memories are a brilliant way to bring people affected by dementia together to support their wellbeing and create meaningful connections through music, exercise and community. We’d encourage anyone affected by dementia to reach out for support via our website or helpline (0333 150 3456). If you’re based near the sessions in Enfield or Tottenham, come along to give it a try!”

Singing for the Brain at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium takes place every Tuesday from 10.30am-12.30pm. Anyone interested in joining should email simon.wears@tottenhamhotspur.com.