Walk with Me: Peter Berry & Deb Bunt

Hear first-hand an in-depth experience of being diagnosed and living with Alzheimer’s disease from Peter Berry and Deb Bunt with help from the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership.

In Peter & Deb’s words: Suffolk-born Peter was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s when he was 50 and given a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. Now approaching 60, Peter continues to live well and to embrace life with positivity. Previously the owner of a thriving timber business, Peter was forced to give up work shortly after his diagnosis. Following a period of deep depression, which included two suicide attempts, Peter determined that he would live well with this life changing diagnosis. He now fills his days by cycling and giving presentations and talks about living well with dementia. Peter has raised thousands of pounds for dementia charities through his cycling challenges – including a 300-mile challenge on his penny farthing and it was this challenge which prompted Deb to write the book, “Slow Puncture”. Peter’s most recent challenge was to cycle 100 miles in one day on his penny farthing, a feat which he completed with aplomb and cramp! Peter is married to Teresa, and they have one daughter.

Six years ago, a rather disillusioned Deb took early retirement from her job at the Youth Offending Service in London and moved to Suffolk with her husband. This is where she met Peter and the two became friends and cycling partners. Deb had two ambitions in life: one – for Arsenal to win the champions league and two – to become a published writer. Meeting Peter has enabled the fulfilment of one of her ambitions. The friendship with Peter has also enabled Deb to look at life through a different lens and to appreciate the ‘here and now.’ In the six years since her move to Suffolk, Deb has acquired one broken shoulder, had two books published, accrued four grandchildren, and made an extremely great and life changing friend in Peter. And Arsenal still haven’t won the champions league.

The Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership (SSP) is dedicated to bringing learning to life through the valuable lived experiences of individuals like Peter. Our core role is reviewing cases and drawing meaningful lessons from those who have been subjected to harm and abuse. This process is crucial in enhancing our practices and preventing future incidents. Learning from others’ experiences is a unique and invaluable opportunity. Peter’s insights provide us with an expert perspective and with Deb’s dedicated support and mutual friendship helps them all live well. Together, they help us to understand the impact of living with dementia, and to implement effective safeguarding measures. Through this collaboration, the SSP is committed to a culture of continuous learning. By valuing and integrating these lived experiences, we aim to strengthen our safeguarding efforts.