Gerry Anderson

[ozzy72]

A man who had such a large impact on my childhood (along with millions of others) and now my children's (they're mad for Thunderbirds, I'm starting them on Joe 90 soon).
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-ox ... e-18614483
You just couldn't wish it on anyone, it makes one of my 30th birthday presents from my mum all the more special, as it is a signed photo of Gerry with all the Thunderbirds puppets she got especially for me and he signed it to me personally wishing me a happy 30th.

[andy190]

He had a massive impact on my childhood and I'm only 14.

How horrible. I know what Alzheimer's is like as both my Grandmothers had it.

[Fozzer]

A terrible affliction which can happen to any of us, at any time, young or old!

My dear old Mum suffered with it in her late 80's, and it was soul destroying to watch!

Each of us worries, when we think that our memory is slowly failing us... ...!

Paul...where did I leave my Slippers?...!

[ftldave]

Let's hope Mr. Anderson gets the best of care and support.

Here in the USA we watched Gerry Anderson's wonderful programs broadcast by our smaller, local TV stations. Only Fireball XL-5 was picked up by NBC, his only national network deal. Supercar, Stingray, Thunderbirds, UFO, and Space 1999 were series I enjoyed and always looked forward to each week. Heck, I think watching the Thunderbirds was one of the main reasons that I joined the Air Force!

Soma-FM internet radio's Secret Agent Channel station often includes Anderson show tunes in their playlist, composed by the late great Barry Gray, and I listen to it often. I still get a great thrill when I hear John Tracy's voice saying "Five! Four! Three! Two! One! Thunderbirds are GO!"

[expat]

My grandfather suffered from Alzheimer's. In the end, he did not know any of us, outside of moments of intense clarity harping back to when we where children. It was hard for my grandmother as he kept asking who that woman was in his house. He also got to be quite aggressive, that was he worst part as he was prior to this a gentle and compassionate man

Matt

[ozzy72]

One of my grandfathers had Alzheimers along with Parkinsons. A tragic end for such an amazing bloke, competitive diver, amateur British boxing champion and SOE agent.
Always a hero in my eyes. Especially as he taught me how to dive, box and beat ten bells out of people

[Steve M]

My ladyfriend works in one of the Alzheimers wings of a long term care home. Terrible disease. I don't ask her how her day went anymore.