A VOLUNTEER who helps families affected by dementia has been nominated for a Pride of Bracknell award.

Bill Heffill, from Easthampstead, has been nominated for his work with the Alzheimer’s Society and also the support that he has given to scout groups over the years.

Mr Heffill said: “I’m absolutely gobsmacked. Obviously I get enthusiastic about things I do but at the same time, you look around and see people who I’m sure do a lot more than I do.” He added: “I do get a lot of satisfaction out of doing the Alzheimer’s Society drop-in at The Look In Community Cafe.” He started helping the society in 2001 after his wife Olive, who died in 2007, was diagnosed with dementia.

Mr Heffill later married again, to Clare, who helps him run the drop-in at the cafe in Broadway in Bracknell town centre from 10am-12pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

He worked for companies including Sperry Giroscope and Broads Manufacturing before setting up mini coach hire business Billenroy Coaches.

His involvement with the scouts began when his son joined the 1st Easthampstead group aged 12. Since then, Mr Heffill has helped in a variety of roles as well as performing in every East Berks Gang Show since 1971, planning to bow out after his 40th performance in February next year.

He has also thrown himself into other community projects, including the campaign to save The Look In Cafe, singing with different groups and being a governor of Fox Hill Primary School, where he wrote a play for the children. He has played club and team sports including golf, cricket and bowls at Great Hollands Bowls Club, where is a member and former club champion. He also played football and coached youth teams.