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Man creates world models for Alzheimer's research

Simon Marks
BBC News
BBC A model of Sydney Opera House on display at the exhibition. It has white large pointed structures with a wood-look base and there is a blue, red and white flag in the background.BBC
Michael McCabe started building models after his wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's

A man has created an exhibition out of the model buildings he makes while spending time with his wife after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Michael McCabe says he would "love to see the world rid of this dreadful condition".

It is the reason he has created Around the World in 80 Models, a display of all his creations, in a bid to raise money for medical research.

After hosting the exhibit in Sway, Lymington, Mr McCabe announced he had raised more than £4,000.

A model of a yellow New York taxi. It is bright yellow with a panel of black and white check around the middle. There is a silhouette of someone in the driver's seat and there are pictures of high rise buildings in the background.
The models were put together for an exhibition called Around the World in 80 Models

His models transport people from London to Ancient Rome, Paris, the Alps, from India to Australia and then to New York and the streets of Manhatten.

"Many of them are 3D jigsaws made of a sort of foam, one of my most useful components is glue. I spent certainly well over £50 on glue to make these models and then I stick pictures on the outside and it looks very effective," Mr McCabe explained.

He also included some local landmarks in the series, including HMS Victory, Salisbury Cathedral and a model of the care home where his wife, Susan, is a resident.

A model of a care home shows a peach-coloured building with a brick roof, there is Union Jack flag bunting coming from the roof along a grass patch. There is a framed picture to the right of the model, which has an image of Michael's wife, Susan, she has short brown hair and wears a bright blue knitted jumper with a floral blouse collar at the top, she is smiling at the camera.
Mr McCabe created a model of the care home where his wife, Susan, is now a resident

Mr McCabe continued: "My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer's five years ago.

"Eventually she had a to go into a care home and during the time I've been with her I've had long long hours just sitting quietly with her.

"So model making for me became a thing that kept me amused, it kept her amused and eventually someone said to me 'well, why don't you have an exhibition?' and we hope we can raise some funds."

After the success of his first event, Mr McCabe is now considering making it an annual fixture.

He added: "I would love to continue raising money for Alzheimer's research, I would love to see the world rid of this dreadful condition."

Greg Clark has grey hair and wears wire framed glasses with a red top which has a large capital 'T' in white on the front and a picture of the character TinTin, with black trousers. He is looking at a model of London Bridge.
Greg Clark said the model exhibition had given him an idea of something to do when he retires

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