Ellen knew they needed to make adaptations to their home and to prepare for Terry’s condition to worsen over time.
The family put in handrails and floor lighting, but he still suffered a lot of falls in the following years.
His memory, though, stayed intact.
“Terry always knew who I was,” Ellen said. “He was even able to tease and make jokes with my brother about football the weekend before he went into hospital for the last time.”
Terry died in 2025.
Since his death, Ellen has taken up volunteering on the board of the Dementia Carers Matter charity – something that has given her great comfort.
“Caring nearly broke me,” she said, “but I’ve also found solace in walking and playing music.
“My dad played trombone and when I took Terry to a Christmas concert in Blackpool during his illness and heard a cornet solo, it moved me to tears.
“I was inspired to return to music myself after many years and now play trombone in my local brass band.
“The support and love from that community has carried me through.”