Actress Florence Pugh funds scientists trying to find cure for 'silent killer'

14 October 2023 , 15:46

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Florence Pugh and Sir Jackie Stewart at Silverstone GP (Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)

Hollywood star Florence Pugh is helping to fund a team of scientists trying to find a cure for dementia.

The Oppenheimer actor was inspired after meeting F1 legend Sir Jackie Stewart and hearing his family story. The three-times world champion’s wife, Lady Helen, has frontotemporal dementia. She uses a wheelchair and needs 24-hour care at home.

Sir Jackie, 84, founded global charity Race Against Dementia in 2016. Oxford-born Florence is an ambassador with her own team working towards a cure for the devastating disease. The Don’t Worry Darling star, 27, who attended this year’s British Grand Prix at Silverstone in July with Sir Jackie, said the dementia crisis was “breath-taking, shocking, saddening”.

Florence wants to help scientists find a cure for dementia (Getty Images)

The Hollywood star said 'together we can make a difference' (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Lotus)

She said: “Fifty-five million people around the world are either living with dementia or living around it. One in three people born today will die with dementia.

“It’s crazy we don’t have a cure with those numbers. Together we can make a difference and fast-track a cure for dementia.” During a live Instagram session, ­Florence called on fans to donate to the “inspiring” cause.

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Sir Jackie Stewart with his wife Helen and dog Pimms (Roland Leon Sunday Mirror)

She said: “You can help these amazing people try and figure out a way to stop this horrible disease.” The Florence Pugh Race Against Dementia team is one of five set up in conjunction with Sir Jackie’s charity and the Rosetrees Trust.

Each team leader will be granted £750,000 over five years to assemble world-class research staff to identify causes, develop prevention strategies, and determine treatments for dementia. Florence added: “The research teams will work on all different areas of dementia – what is causing it, how to prevent it, what can help it, the drugs that can be taken. It’s a full-blown operation all pointing in the right direction.”

Race Against Dementia CEO Bridget Barker (Nick Freeman Photography)

Race Against Dementia CEO Bridget Barker said: “To date, we have supported 17 bright research scientists around the world. Now we’re multiplying, seeking funding for entire teams of researchers to go deeper, faster. Our approach is underpinned with an F1 mindset – collaboration, relentless innovation, resilience and an eye for detail.”

Patrick Hill