2015

S1.E1 ∙ Born to Fly

Mon, Dec 14, 2015

Derek Piggott was just three years old when his mother took him on his first flight, an open-top 1913 Avro 504, at a local fair in 1925. Despite the dangers, and the cold, Derek loved the feeling of flying through the air and his passion for flying was born. During his teenage years he competed in many model aeroplane competitions. Here, he built up his knowledge and expertise of the mechanics of aeroplanes. When he left school, Derek had hoped to join the RAF but poor grades at school meant he could not. However, the war came along and "saved" him and he joined the RAF. Derek suffered his second blow to his flying career, when he failed a medical examination for the Empire Test Pilot School. Here he received news that he would not be able to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a test pilot, due to high tone deafness. Derek's love and determination of flying shone through once again and he went on to have an extremely successful flying career, breaking records, performing Hollywood film stunts and becoming an internationally renowned glider. Derek, now 93, has dementia. Derek is very aware that he no longer remembers what day it is, and that his dementia limits him daily. However, although he can no longer fly solo, he is allowed to fly, if assisted. When he's up in the air, Derek ignores most co-pilots and flies as if solo!

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S1.E2 ∙ Old Friends, New Problems

Mon, Dec 21, 2015

Harriet Jillings Bachrach has enjoyed a successful writing career, writing for publications such as 'The Village Voice' during the 1960s in New York, Reader's Digest and The Times. A very talented writer indeed, but one of Harriet's most successful skills is making friends. "She collects people", as her daughter describes. Harriet has lived in many places across the world, from Africa to America and Europe. Whilst she was living in The Hague, she met world-renowned Dutch art historian, Fred Bachrach, who she later went on to marry. Fred passed away in 2009 and since then Harriet, now 73, has developed dementia. Harriet has maintained lots of friendships from different parts of her life, and frequently goes out with many of her friends to art galleries and classical music concerts. But will she be able to keep up this very active social life as her dementia develops?

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S1.E3 ∙ A Most Unlikely Candidate

Mon, Dec 28, 2015

David Hugill, a PhD graduate from Birmingham University, has been part of some dramatic moments in history. David appeared on University Challenge during his university days and ran as the Liberal parliamentary candidate in the constituency of Smethwick during one of Britain's most racist elections. During the 1960s mass immigration to Birmingham sparked unrest. In northwest Birmingham racial tension grew between the existing residents and new Sikh immigrants. In the 1964 general election Conservative MP Peter Griffiths used the rising tension to fuel his campaign, using racist slogans to win over the white residents. David stood as the Liberal candidate and campaigned for an equal society. Peter Griffiths went on to win the seat and was called 'a parliamentary leper' by Prime minister Harold Wilson. Despite the defeat, David received over 3,000 votes in the election. David was diagnosed with early onset dementia in his mid-sixties. Ten years later, David still lives with his wife, Barbara. Despite being very opinionated, David is now unable to express his views and his speech is limited to small phrases. He has lost most of his knowledge of nouns. After a decade with dementia, life has become tough for David's wife, who is increasingly isolated by being David's sole carer.

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S1.E4 ∙ In Denial

Mon, Jan 04, 2016

Mike Pannett is a keen photographer who can no longer take photographs, but Jessica is on hand to ensure he can still enjoy the photo album of his past.

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S1.E5 ∙ Spanglish

Mon, Jan 11, 2016

Jessica is making a film about a Peruvian woman who, due to her dementia, can no longer speak English. Things get harder when a sudden family death occurs.

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S1.E6 ∙ Who Dares Wins

Mon, Jan 18, 2016

Felicity is making a film about the life of Peter Bennett, an SAS army veteran who has lost his priceless medals as a result of his dementia.

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S1.E7 ∙ Uncertain Times

Mon, Jan 25, 2016

Jessica and Felicity tell the story of Gail, who is adjusting to her new life with dementia. In doing so, the team travel to Paris to meet her daughter.

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