Erskine is delighted to welcome Sarah Smith as a new Family Ambassador for the charity.

Sarah Smith’s account of how her family coped with dementia is the subject of her acclaimed book ‘Because I Know Who He Is.’ Sarah’s father William "Bill" Mann, CBE was a Dalmuir born philanthropist who devoted most of his life to helping good causes, Bill was also a Veteran and was cared for, in his later years, by Erskine Veterans Charity until his death in 2019. 

Sarah joins the existing Ambassadorial team of accordionist Gary Innes, Forces sweetheart Kirsten Osborn, Paralympian Scott Meenagh, broadcaster Mike Edwards, advertising executive Trevor Beattie and Community Ambassador Heather Clissett, in a new role of Erskine Family Ambassador.

For many families coping with the heart-breaking journey of dementia is daunting. Sarah knows first-hand how difficult and emotionally debilitating a journey this can be. In her role of Erskine Family Ambassador she is willing to share her journey, the up and downs, to offer a little insight to those dealing with the condition within their family setting.

Sarah feels her experience has given her an understanding of what others may go through although she is keen to emphasise everyone’s journey is different. ‘Because I Know Who He Is’ details the overwhelming changes and emotions experienced when a loved one lives with dementia. 

Of her appointment Sarah said: “I am delighted to be asked to be the first Family Ambassador to Erskine. When my dad Bill entered the Glasgow Home In December 2017 I was told that “not only do we have a duty of care to Bill, but the whole family”, and that duty of care allowed me to gain a greater understanding of dementia with every question being answered, so my brothers and I never felt alone . Since April last year I have been volunteering at both Bishopton and now Glasgow which I love, so to be asked to do this is a great privilege and one that I hope will allow me to help others because at Erskine it really does feel like one big family - residents, staff and families all supporting one another in what is a very difficult time in anyone’s life”.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine Chief Executive, said: “I am delighted to welcome Sarah as Erskine’s latest ambassador.  Sarah has had a unique insight to Erskine and is a long-time supporter of our work.  It is a privilege to have her on board. We are looking forward to working in partnership and continuing to spread the Erskine message throughout the UK, and beyond.”

Sarah and her family’s journey in documented in her book “Because I Know Who He Is” - available from: Amazon.co.uk and https://olympiapublishers.com/books/because-i-know-who-he-is

https://www.erskine.org.uk/news/because-i-know-who-he-is/

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio or Paisley 107.5 FM