Vicky Pattison visits Admiral Court care home in Leigh

The former Queen of the Jungle made a visit to Admiral Court care home, in Manchester Drive, where she spent the afternoon chatting with residents and staff.

She discussed shared experiences of dementia, the challenges care homes have faced over the last year and the work of the charity, Alzheimer’s Society.

The visit coincided with the Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day, which is taking place tomorrow to raise cash and awareness.

One of the residents Vicky sat down with was Gerald Greenfield, 84.

Gerald was diagnosed with dementia in 2019 and has been a resident at Admiral Court since February 2020.

He shared stories of his adventures in Saudi Arabia where he was employed by British Aerospace.

Vicky’s own grandfather, David Birdsey, was diagnosed with dementia in 2010 and is also living in a care home – making her visit poignant.

Admiral Court’s dementia care coordinator, Irene Anderson, said: “It’s been so lovely having Vicky visit, it’s meant so much to the residents and the team.

“Hearing about her personal connection to dementia and her experiences with her grandad David are all too familiar.

“As a dementia care coordinator, I know just how important good quality care is for people living with dementia and activities like baking are a big part of life at the care home.

“Sadly, there are lots of people that don’t have access to this support which is why it’s so important that people get involved in Cupcake Day to raise those vital donations.”

Vicky added: “Dementia is something that is very personal to me and so I want to do everything I can to help raise awareness of this heart-breaking condition.

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“I’m so proud to be supporting Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day, to be spending the afternoon with such dedicated team, awe-inspiring residents and their families after what has been an incredibly tough year has been so heart-warming.”

An Alzheimer’s Society survey showed 92% respondents said the pandemic had “significantly worsened” their loved one’s dementia, with people just ‘fading away’ from isolation, losing abilities like speaking or feeding themselves.

To find out more about Alzheimer’s Society’s Cupcake Day and how to get involved, visit alzheimers.org.uk/cupcake-day.