John sadly died on the 23rd of December 2022. He was 80 years old. He had been diagnosed with COPD and dementia back in 2018. John’s
symptoms started a long while before his diagnosis, and our mum Carol, looked after dad at home for as long as she could, until he went into a nursing home.

Both COPD and Dementia are chronic long-term illnesses which are debilitating and heart-breaking to watch over time for family and friends. It is often carers who look after their loved ones at home,
with little support.

Carers are the unsung heroes, who, have often by no choice switch roles, from being wife, daughter/son, grandchild to care for their beloved.  The change in role from being a wife and loving partner and change lifestyle to becoming a carer can be quiet challenging and isolating for many, who often forsake their own needs for their loved one. The carer is often forgotten due to the focus being on the person who is unwell.

It became obvious mum needed support and we acknowledge at times this needed to come from someone from outside the family who is more objective.

Mum was advised to contact Action for Carers in Surrey. They
offered a range of advice and support, from form filling, advocacy, and
emotional support. They were a service that where there when she needed them to hold her hand. We thank Action for Carers from the bottom of are heart our heart for all the support they offer to carers across Surrey.

Please give what you can to this fantastic charity in loving
memory of our dad John Cole.