The two old rivals meet at Wembley Stadium next Thursday and it will be an historic occasion in more ways than oneWales face England at Wembley next week and will do so with very different mascots(Image: Ashley Crowden/FAW)

Wales and England players will walk out at Wembley next week ahead of their international friendly alongside people living with dementia.

In a joint initiative between the Football Association of Wales, the FA and the Alzheimer’s Society, 22 nominated supporters who have dementia will enter the field under the famous arch in place of the traditional child mascots.

They will stand with the players during the respective anthems in a bid to raise awareness of the condition next Thursday (7.45pm KO).

And during the second half of the match, Wales players will come out with their names removed from their shirts as a symbolic act of highlighting memory loss – one of the most common symptoms of dementia.

Craig Bellamy‘s side head to face their old foes ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium in Cardiff four days later. Matches between Wales and England are always big occasions and this one will mean a great deal more to the families living with dementia in their lives.

Life-long Cardiff City fan Chris Griffiths will be one who will be stepping out onto the Wembley pitch. A regular follower of the Bluebirds, Chris has been actively involved with Cardiff City Foundation’s 1927 Club, which supports people living with dementia.

“Football in general has been a big part of his life and I think it helps bond everybody together and gives them something to talk about,” said Lee, Chris’ son.

“I think that’s what he values as much as anything, everyone just being together and enjoying whatever event it is.

“It was a shock prior to the diagnosis, but as you can see he’s still full of fun, and we’re really grateful for the experience he’s going to have up in Wembley.”

FAW CEO Noel Mooney said they were proud to stand beside the charity and the FA in doing its part to raise awareness on an historic occasion.

Mooney said: “At the FAW, we believe football has the unique power to bring people together, to unite communities, and to shine a light on important issues like dementia. That’s why we are proud to stand alongside the Alzheimer’s Society and the Football Association in this historic moment at Wembley.

“By walking out with fans living with dementia, we send a clear message that nobody should face dementia alone. It takes a united team, on and off the pitch, to provide the care, compassion, and understanding needed to support those affected by this condition.

“We encourage everyone to join us in supporting this cause, helping to raise awareness, funds, and hope for the future of all those affected. Together, we can make a difference.”

Alex Hyde-Smith, chief marketing officer at Alzheimer’s Society, added: “This year’s Alzheimer’s Society International promises to be a historic night, showcasing so many different experiences of dementia and providing a special moment for our mascots and their families.

“We know beating dementia will require the ultimate team effort, and football is the ultimate team game. Players need their team-mates, coaching staff and fans to support them, and likewise, people affected by dementia need a team of family, carers and doctors. It will take a society to beat dementia and, as with any successful team, we all have a role to play.”