Wolverhampton couple's Alzheimer's film nominated for award

Alison and Frank Littleford said they wanted to show how Alzheimers affects their lives

A short film about Alzheimer's made by a couple has been nominated for a charity award to help raise further awareness about the disease.

Frank Littleford was diagnosed with the condition in 2020 and the film shows the effect it has had on their lives.

His wife Alison said: "It is really important that people do understand the devastation that it can cause."

The winner of the Smiley Charity Film Awards will be announced on 20 March after a public vote.

The couple, from Wolverhampton, volunteer for Alzheimer's Research UK and made the film with its help.

After hearing of her nomination, Mrs Littleford said: "We're very pleased, it's a bit surreal. It's very nice that it will hopefully raise awareness and further research."

'I'm not complaining'

Speaking about his condition, Mr Littleford said: "It's totally changed the way we live, because my symptoms are worsening I can't actually leave the house unless I've got some sort of company to make sure that I'm okay."

He said he was realistic and added: "I'm not complaining, and I know what the situation is, and I know what I've got and know where I'm going."

But he said from being "a fairly active, independent person" he was finding his life was not his own any more.

Mrs Littleford said: "It's slowly stripping Frank of his personality and his independence and his autonomy."

Despite this, she said they "still do loads of things, we have a lovely life together".

The awards, which are now in their seventh year, are split into a number of categories and are decided through a public vote on which film has the biggest impact.

Mrs Littleford said: "Winning the award would be great in terms of educating people."