Amanda Holden, Ray Winstone and Paul O'Grady lend their support to dementia campaign
IT'S an illness that perhaps isn't spoken about publicly as much as it should be, but now a whole host of celebrities have come together to highlight dementia.
'Britain's Got Talent' judge Amanda Holden leads the way in a new TV advertisement which is hoping to boost volunteering, education and support for the growing number of Britons suffering from dementia.
The advert, which is to be screened for the first time tonight at 7.15pm, also stars British actor Ray Winstone, X Factor winner Sam Bailey and TV presenter Paul O'Grady.
In stills from the video, the stars can be seen holding up signs which read: "I'm a Dementia Friend" as they try to encourage members of the public to do the same.
Sir Paul McCartney has allowed his hit 'With A Little Help From My Friends' to be used to launch the appeal, and has also become an ambassador for the campaign, called Dementia Friends.
The initiative is run by the Alzheimer's Society, and volunteers who take part in the scheme will be able to attend free sessions to learn how to spot the signs of dementia and offer support for sufferers.
Other big names supporting the cause include Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, singer Lily Allen and Amanda's fellow 'Britain's Got Talent' judge Alesha Dixon.
The singers will be seen performing The Beatles' song, whilst bestselling author Sir Terry Pratchett will prove that you can still write a hit novel whilst suffering from the disease.
Sir Terry revealed back in December 2007 that he was suffering from early-onset Alzheimer's disease, and went on to make a substantial public donation to the Alzheimer's Research Trust.
In the new campaign, the 66-year-old writer can be seen holding up a handwritten sign which reads: "It's possible to live well with dementia. And write bestsellers - like what I do."