Wigan fund-raiser bakes cakes for charity helping her through second family Alzheimer's battle

Despite that Hindley resident Susan is keen to give back to the Alzheimer’s Society to say thanks for the support it has given her.

Susan, 71, marked Cupcake Day, a similar fund-raiser to the coffee mornings cancer charities run, by baking and selling sweet treats for fellow residents at Egerton Court, the sheltered accommodation scheme where she lives with her husband Denis.

Susan spoke of the support she has received from the charity, particularly from dementia support worker for carers Anne Kiney.

The charity in turn hailed Susan’s extraordinary courage and generosity in helping them while dealing with her own personal circumstances.

Susan said: “When Phillip died I was told my children would be safe and it wasn’t hereditary so when Mathew was diagnosed I was inconsolable.

“He hadn’t been well for a few months and I did suspect as I remembered some of it from my husband.

“I cannot say how much help Anne has been to us. Before Covid-19 she was coming every week to support us and now she phones me to make sure I’m OK. If anything happens or I’m struggling I only have to ring.

“I’ve also had support from the NHS and counselling. I don’t let the sadness of it all get to me as much, although some days are worse than others.”

For the fund-raising Susan took orders for more than 35 cakes, leaving them in residents’ cubby holes in return for a cash donation.

She has also been helping with efforts to make bags for nurses to put their uniforms in and knitting rainbows to raise cash during Covid-19.

Anne said: “Susan is a star with her amazing and continual support. The people of Wigan and Leigh are incredibly generous when they take the Alzheimer’s Society to their hearts.

“This support is ever more vital as the Alzheimer’s Society, along with all charities, has been badly affected by the pandemic.

“Our supporters are being really inventive so they can still raise funds for Cupcake Day.”