Lancaster staff come together for dementia help

A young health worker whose mum was diagnosed with early onset dementia has had a moving show of support from her colleagues.
Emily Wilson (left) and Tracy Blenkinship at the cake sale at Slyne Road in Lancaster.Emily Wilson (left) and Tracy Blenkinship at the cake sale at Slyne Road in Lancaster.
Emily Wilson (left) and Tracy Blenkinship at the cake sale at Slyne Road in Lancaster.

Emily Wilson’s mum Sue first showed signs of the condition around six years ago when she was just 59-years-old. It has been devastating for Emily and her family so her caring colleagues decided to hold a cake sale in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society and a total of £220 was raised.

Emily, 27, who works as a technical instructor with a community therapy and rehabilitation team at Slyne Road in Lancaster run by Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said she was moved that her colleagues were supporting dementia awareness.

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Tracy Blenkinship, 33, organised the event, and said she wanted to hold it for Emily and her patients.

Emily said: “With dementia you are losing someone right before your eyes.

“Tracy has supported me since my mum was diagnosed – she is my best friend at work.

“I think people don’t expect anyone to have dementia at such a young age. You don’t expect your parent to get it. I had to explain it to my son Oliver.”

Emily’s dad Stuart is now Sue’s carer and Emily and her sister regularly travel to Burnley to visit. For more visit www.alzheimers.org.uk.