“SHE was a beacon for others affected by dementia” – the words of the Alzheimer’s Society in the West Midlands in tribute to Dame Barbara Windsor who has died at the age of 83.
Dame Barbara, who was diagnosed with the disease in 2014, supported Alzheimer’s Society’s Fix Dementia Care campaign with her husband, Scott Mitchell, and in 2019 she delivered a letter signed by 100,000 people affected by dementia to Prime Minister Boris Johnson, urging the Government to fix the broken social care system.
Janice Le Tellier, Alzheimer’s Society’s Area Manager for the Midlands said: “Dame Barbara Windsor was an amazingly true, much-loved national treasure, and in speaking out about her experiences she shone like a beacon for others affected by dementia.
“Our heart goes out to her husband Scott Mitchell and all their family and friends at this very sad time.
“They were absolutely key in helping make Dementia Revolution the most successful Virgin Money London Marathon campaign ever, raising a record-breaking £4million for the UK Dementia Research Institute that we co-founded, raising far greater awareness of the need to fund research in this area.
“Dementia remains the UK’s biggest killer and sadly, people with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus, so we’ve never needed help more. We are here to offer support and advice to anyone affected by dementia.”
Michael Renenhan, 72, who is from the West Midlands and is living with dementia, said: “I’m so grateful to Barbara for raising awareness of dementia and showing people that you can still live a good life with this disease.
“I remember watching the Carry On films when I was younger and I’ve always watched EastEnders so I’ll remember Barbara best as Peggy Mitchell, the Queen Vic landlady!
“You can see that her husband, Scott, has been an amazing support to her since her diagnosis. They were both so passionate about changing the care system for people with dementia and supporting the charity’s Fix Dementia Care campaign.
“I understand because my wife is my rock – she means the world to me and is my carer. She supports me every day. Barbara will be hugely missed by everyone.”
The Alzheimer’s Society is there for anyone affected by dementia via the Dementia Connect support line on 0333 150 3456.
Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Advisers provide information and support on how to stay safe, active and social during this difficult time. Our phone lines are open seven days a week.
Visit www.alzheimers.org.uk for more information and support
