A fundraiser who has dedicated 40 years to helping people affected by Alzheimer’s disease has received a lifetime achievement award.

Morella Kayman MBE of Lady Aylesford Avenue in Stanmore was presented with the accolade by broadcaster Clare Balding at the First Women Awards.

Mrs Kayman volunteers for Jewish Care and is co-founder of the Alzheimer’s Society. After her late husband was diagnosed with dementia in 1972 she was shocked at the lack of support and advice available.

She started to gather support and launched the Alzheimer’s Society from her spare bedroom. Today the charity raises £70million a year and provides 86,000 people with support across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Mrs Kayman also founded the Alzheimer’s Disease Golf Society in 1983 which has raised more than £1million.

Judges described her as an “incredible, vibrant woman with a truly inspiring story” who is a role model for women, young and old.