Strong for his family BLAIR'S DEMENTIA BLOW

The actor's been rocked by his mum's condition

When Blair Strang got the call up for Celebrity Treasure Island, he said yes not only because he likes a spot of adventure, but because it was a chance to support a charity close to his heart.

The former Shortland Street star's charity is the New Zealand Dementia Foundation, which he chose because his mum Anne Strang has the disease, so he has first-hand knowledge of the toll it can take on the patient and their family.

"It's a tough time and a lot of families go through it," says Blair, 51. "It's sad to see family go down that path, particularly my mother because she was the matriarch and a school teacher. It's not easy."

Anne and his dad Bill, who also has some health issues, have been living with Blair, who recently took a six-month break from his work as a Family Court lawyer to care for them.

"They're 88 and 80, so it's that time for me and my family to look after them. Mum had a cornea transplant, so I was administering six eye drops a day for a while. But she's doing well. She's a soldier. She's the one who's 88, not Dad. She married a toy boy!"

Blair did wonder if he'd be able to leave them to film Treasure Island, but his brother Mark helped with their care. His family thought he should go for it, especially his son Steel, 25.

"He's all for it," tells Blair. "He said, 'Dad, you've got to do it."" He's close to his only child, who works in retail.

"He doesn't live with me any more he left a couple of years ago," shares Blair. "But we ring each other pretty much every day and I catch up with him at least once a week. I suffered terrible empty nest syndrome when he moved out. He needed to move on - it was the best thing for him - but I was quite emotional about it.

"He's a very independent and well-rounded young man. We've become best friends really, but I'm also his dad when he needs that."