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S8 Ep5 - Brian and Keely Woodley At the age of 60, Brian Woodley was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. As a successful business owner, avid footballer, father, grandfather and the last one to leave the dance floor, this diagnosis turned his life upside down. But Brian
Time: 58:35
At the age of 60, Brian Woodley was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer’s dementia. As a successful business owner, avid footballer, father, grandfather and the last one to leave the dance floor, this diagnosis turned his life upside down. But Brian refused to let dementia define him and with the support of his wife, Keely, he has discovered and embraced the sport of walking football through Bradford City FC, enabling him to keep fit and active whilst bringing renewed purpose, friendship and joy.
Brian is a volunteer “Expert by Experience” for the Pathways Programme run by Bradford University which supports those affected by young-onset Alzheimer’s Dementia. Brian and Keely have recently started an Instagram account called The Life of Brian and Loki to share what it is like to live with dementia as a younger person. They are also currently fundraising to help pay for the training of Loki, Brian’s assistance dog, to enable him to provide vital support to Brian in the future.
In this episode, Brian and Keely discuss the motivation behind their decision to share Brian’s story on their Instagram account, highlighting that the challenges of young-onset dementia are still relatively hidden. Brian shares his struggle in coming to terms with the disease, the support that has been provided through Pathways and the difference that walking football has made to both his physical and mental health, as well as the joy it has brought to both of their lives. This is a candid and honest account of the realities of living with dementia as well as the joy, hope and strenghth that can be found in sharing experiences, connection and community.
Find out more about Brian and Keely visit:
Instagram: @lifeofbrianandloki
To support fundraising for Loki’s training and enter the prize draw go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-life-of-brian-and-loki
To find out more about Pathways visit: https://www.dementiapathways.co.uk/what-we-do/
Thank you for listening to Season 8 Episode 5 of The Everyday Adventure Podcast.
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GUID: substack:post:179927417
Release Date: 25/11/2025, 21:36:34
