Dame Barbara Windsor, 81, and her husband Scott Mitchell, 56, have today been appointed as ambassadors of the Alzheimer’s Society – a charity which aims to offer support to people who are living with dementia.
Speaking about their own experience, the EastEnders star’s spouse said: “The last few years have been really hard for both Barbara and I as we’ve had to get used to dementia being in our lives. Alzheimer’s Society has shown us there is life after dementia, and we want to do our bit to make sure no one faces dementia alone.
“Over the last four months I have had the honour of meeting other people with dementia and their families, and I’ve learnt so much about the challenges they are facing up and down the country. Hearing their stories and seeing the true state of our social care system has shown me how people, who aren’t as fortunate to be in the same position as myself and Barbara financially, are facing a constant battle to get what they need. I want to do everything I can to help them.”
He added: “The Society’s open letter to our new Prime Minister Boris Johnson to tackle the social care crisis is strongly supported by Barbara and me. We encourage the fantastic UK public to give their support by signing this letter. It’s time to end the battle people with dementia and their families are facing across the country.”
Addressing her new role, Barbara continued: “I am absolutely delighted to become an Ambassador for this wonderful charity, who are helping so many people living with dementia… like me.
“We’re lucky to have amazing support but my heart goes out to the many, many people who are really struggling to get the care they so desperately need. Please join us – let’s do everything we can to sort this out.”
The couple have launched an open letter asking the public to sign up and join the Alzheimer’s Society Fix Dementia Care campaign.
As part of it, Alzheimer’s Society is calling for a £2.4 billion Dementia Fund, mapped within plans to deliver the NHS Long Term Plan and then established in the upcoming Spending Review.
This will aim to end the dementia tax and help improve the quality of care while a long-term funding solution is sought.
Earlier this year, the star’s husband revealed he is now unable to leave Barbara by herself as her condition worsens.
Speaking to press including Express.co.uk, he said: “I can’t leave Barbara by herself anymore. Life has changed drastically for her and of course that reflects on our whole life together.
“It’s really been overwhelming.
“[At the time] Barbara wasn’t really talking about it or accepting it which is a common thing for people living with Alzheimers.”
Scott revealed the disease can have an isolating impact but admitted their circle of friends have been “incredible”.
He continued: “Friends have been just incredible. Lots of people visit the house, they come round. She feels she’s not forgotten.
“She does spend a lot of time at home. You can feel quite alone, I guess.”
More recently, Barbara celebrated her upcoming 82nd birthday with David Walliams over the weekend.
The soap star appeared in high spirits at the intimate party alongside the Britain’s Got Talent judge and his mum Kathleen.
Taking to Instagram, the comedian shared a series of photos from the special day after giving the legend a cake with the words “Dame Barbara” ahead of her actual birthday on August 6.
In view of his 1.6 million followers, he wrote: “Afternoon tea with a legend. Dame Barbara Windsor.”
Sign the open letter at alzheimers.org.uk/fixdementiacare.
