Alice’s life story comes to an end

Alice Holt, the woman who inspired Oldham’s pioneering Life Story initiative for older people with dementia, has died aged 86.

Life Story was designed by her husband Ken, from Shaw, when his wife was diagnosed with dementia and eventually went into full-time care.

His love for her inspired him to write her life story so her carers would know all about Alice, her life and her family, where she worked and her likes and dislikes.

The Life Story idea has been adopted as a model by Oldham Social Services and the Primary Care Trust, and 100 professionals are now trained to promote Life Story.

The couple celebrated their diamond wedding in 2006, and in their younger days they were keen motorbikers.

Alice helped organise scrambles, grass track trials and races, and helped to set up the Three Sisters complex at Wigan.

She also helped to run the Central Council for Physical Recreation in the North-West, and the Auto Cycle Union.

Alice was cared for at Franklin House, Oldham, the specialist home for people with dementia, but was recently admitted to the Royal Oldham Hospital where she died on Saturday.

Alice leaves a son Les, and two grand-daughters, Sally and Gemma.

Her funeral is tomorrow with a service at the Salvation Army hall in Shaw at 1pm, and then at Oldham Crematorium at 2pm.