Marcus Trescothick reveals his family's sad experience of dementia: "It's a cruel disease"

GEORGE DOBELL: Over the past few years, Trescothick's father Martyn has become one of the 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia. And while he still recognises Marcus, he no longer shows any interest in the game of cricket

Many of Marcus Trescothick's formative memories involve watching his dad, Martyn, playing club cricket.

Martyn was a fine player. He might, in a different age, have gone on to play county cricket. But the pay didn't match that of his regular job so he contented himself with summers full of club cricket for Keynsham and a few games for Somerset seconds. For Marcus and his sister, Anna, weekends were spent playing on the boundary edge watching their dad. Their mum, Linda, made the teas.

Martyn was keen to ensure Marcus had every opportunity to play at a higher level. Indeed, Marcus's birth announcement in the local paper included the detail that he would have "every encouragement to be a cricketer" and he was given his first bat the moment he could walk.

Later, Martyn and Marcus batted together in league matches, with Martyn shielding his 14-year-old son from the faster bowlers and watching on with pride as he registered his first century.

Like many cricketing parents, Martyn and Linda played a huge part in Marcus's development. They ensured he was ferried between games and training sessions. 

When he broke into the Somerset team, they were regulars in the crowd at Taunton and beyond and later they watched him play many times for England. They took great pride in his success. 

^{Marcus Trescothick's father Martyn is living with dementia [Getty Images]}

"Dad used to get nervous watching me," Trescothick recalls fondly. "He had little superstitions such as sitting in the same seat or having the same thing for breakfast if I was not out overnight. 

"I grew up at the cricket club, really. He was a highly regarded player and we spent a lot of time there. 

"They drove me everywhere when I was a kid. All round the country. They always supported me and took great pride in my career. They loved travelling to see me play for Somerset or England."

But Martyn isn't at the Kia Oval this week. And he's not watching the game on TV. For, over the past few years, he has become one of the 900,000 people in the UK living with dementia. And while he still recognises Marcus, he no longer shows any interest in the game. 

"The statistics tell us that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. So this is an important subject. It's something we should be talking about"

"It's horrible to watch," Marcus tells The Cricketer. "He just depleted gradually. 

"At first it was little things. He started to forget conversations. Then it started to happen more often and he became more quiet and withdrawn. 

"The key moment came when he was told he couldn't drive any more. He couldn't understand it; couldn't take it in. But it wasn't safe and we sold the car. 

"Gradually the disease takes over the brain. Mum looked after him for as long as she could, but it wasn't safe and we found a care home for him not far from the family home.

^{Trescothick during his playing days [Getty Images]}

"He still recognises me when I go and see him. But it's hard to know what he's taking in. Obviously cricket was very important to us as a family and we have shared all these experiences we thought were unforgettable. But there's no sign of any recognition now. It's a cruel disease."

Marcus is speaking to raise awareness. In particular, he wants people to know they can turn to Alzheimer's Society for support and that there is hope for the future. 

The third day of the fifth Ashes Test will be dedicated to raising funds and awareness, with donations helping to fund research into new treatments and support for those in need. 

"Early diagnosis is important," Trescothick explains. "There are medicines which can make a difference and there is support that can be put in place for both the person suffering and their family. 

"The statistics tell us that one in three people born in the UK today will go on to develop dementia in their lifetime. So this is an important subject. It's something we should be talking about.

"We're all scared of the future. But it's better to have the uncomfortable conversations and seek help early. There are a lot of people suffering and I hope we can make a difference."

Anyone wanting to donate to Alzheimer's Society can do by texting Ten, Twenty or Thirty to 70567 to donate £10, £20 or £30, or by visiting www.alzheimers.org.uk/cricket