A granddaughter of a resident at Cooper House Care Home has made the local press after writing a heartfelt poem to her Granddad who was recently diagnosed with dementia.

Emma Barraclough, was inspired to write the poem to 87-year-old Wilfred Smith after his mental health deteriorated rapidly. Emma is looking to raise awareness of dementia and the effect it has on carers and has recently completed a Dryathlon, raising £370 for Cooper House Care Home where her Granddad has lived for a year.

“I want to put across what families go through – it is new to us. It’s soul-destroying. He is fine physically, but his mind has gone and he knows it,” Emma said. “Some days he is chatting away and other days he is screaming and lashing out.”

Emma praised staff at Cooper House for their help and support, and also mentioned that her Granddad’s face lights up when he sees his six grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

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