“I moved to Poynton in 1977 as a young bride of 25. Three children later, one house move, a divorce in 1996, a second marriage in 2005 and two more house moves I am still in Poynton, where else would I live – it’s so lovely? Unfortunately 2nd husband Tony was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia in 2016 although I’d had niggling thoughts years earlier as to whether he was just being obstinate and unhelpful or whether there was something medically wrong.
My brother was disabled, virtually blind and epileptic which I think helped me to cope with Tony’s dementia. ‘Always have an optimistic view – find ways of how to help do something (unless really dangerous) as opposed to not even trying. My brother and I built a bird house between us we had two eyes, three hands, a cordless drill/screwdriver and loads of laughter – it’s not perfect, but is still here 6 years later.
Being a trained shorthand/audio typist, legal secretary put me in good stead to become Secretary to PGM. However I mostly enjoy meeting our members sharing personal experiences, offering support, guidance and help to carers in trying to keep a step ahead of their loved one with dementia.
I’m also a member of Poynton Dementia Steering Group formed to bring awareness of dementia to the Poynton community.”