Alzheimer's Research UK

Phyllis leaves gift of hope for people with Alzheimer’s

15/09/2010

The money will help to fund cutting-edge research to find new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease.

Phyllis’ son, Bill, who lives in Oxford, explained his mother’s inspiration for remembering the Alzheimer’s Research Trust in her Will:

“My dear mum lived with Alzheimer’s for ten years. She knew there was little that could be done to help her as there is still so much to be learnt about this cruel disease and little money for research. She left this gift to help the Alzheimer’s Research Trust with its vital work and give hope to future generations. Even though she’s no longer with us, I’m proud to know that her generosity will make a difference.

“It was so sad to see such a capable and inspirational lady gradually being robbed of her abilities as Alzheimer’s took hold. During her lifetime she’d served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, mastered playing the piano, the clarinet and violin. She also loved to travel and visited most continents around the world. She even achieved her dream of visiting Antarctica when she reached 80.

“It was soon after that trip that we noticed a change in her. She lost interest in doing her beloved crosswords and became increasingly forgetful and confused. But she was fiercely independent and refused to listen to advice to receive specialist care. In the end, her hand was forced when she had a bad fall and we managed to move her from Sheffield, where she’d lived for 45 years, to be nearer the family. She was cared for at Fewcott House, near Bicester.”

Rebecca Wood, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, said:

“We are very grateful for the generous gift Phyllis has left in her Will to help us defeat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This money will fund over 800 hours of world-class research and bring us ever nearer to finding preventions, new treatments and an eventual cure.

“Over 6,000 people in Oxfordshire live with the daily reality of dementia and that number is set to rise as the population ages. Dementia research is desperately under-funded and we rely entirely on our wonderful supporters. A third of our funds are given to us through gifts left in Wills and, however large or small, they allow our crucial work to continue.”

Information about how to leave a legacy to help in the fight against dementia is available, in confidence, from Joanne Fearne, at the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, by phoning 01223 843899 or by emailing: jfearne@alzheimers-research.org.uk.