Man, 43, with dementia raises thousands for centre

Kevin, pictured with his wife Jodie, was diagnosed at the age of 42 and has raised more than £12,000 for the day centre that supports him

A man who was diagnosed with early-onset dementia at the age of 42 has raised more than £12,000 for the care centre that has been supporting him.

Kevin McCuskey, from Telford, is amongst an estimated 70,000 people in the UK with the early-onset condition, according to the Alzheimer's Society.

Alongside his wife Jodie, he has raised thousands of pounds for Crowsmill Craft Centre in Alveley - the day centre he has been attending multiple times a week.

"They're all such nice people there, it's really great," Mr McCuskey said.

"Sometimes I feel great, but other times I just don't want to do anything.

"But I've got a lot of friends who have helped me, and my wife obviously."

Mrs McCuskey, 40 and a children's nurse, said that after the diagnosis she was left thinking, "What am I going to do now?".

"I've still got to be a mum, I've still got to work, we still have to carry on in life," she said.

Family and friends crossing the finish line at Alveley after completing their 18-mile sponsored walk

The couple have been together for 21 years, married for seven, and have two daughters, aged 11 and 19.

In September 2024 the 43-year-old father-of-two was diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a brain condition associated with vascular dementia.

Dementia is a symptom found in many diseases of the brain.

Memory loss is the most common symptom, as well as changes to behaviour and difficulties with speaking.

It is often seen as a disease of old age, but about 5% of people with the condition are classed as having early-onset dementia, being aged under 65.

'Made a lot of friends'

Crowsmill Craft Centre works with people with mental health issues and various physical and learning difficulties, with a variety of workshops.

Many dementia resources and support groups are aimed at older people - but at Crowsmill, Mr McCuskey has been able to socialise and learn new skills like woodworking.

"It's great," he said, adding he has "made a lot of friends" and "just loves it there."

"At the moment I'm making a bench, which is great," he said.

Kevin crafted this pumpkin decoration during woodworking sessions at Crowsmill

"There's just no judgement [at Crowsmill]", Mrs McCuskey said.

She said that it has been especially helpful during the school holidays.

"I can take my daughter out and do nice things without having to worry about whether Kev is going to cope," she said.

"I know he's happy there and he's enjoying himself."

Through a number of fundraising events - a concert called KevFest and an 18-mile walk from Telford to Alveley - the family have raised more than £12,000 for the centre.

They hope it will help the centre to continue its essential work.