Carer, then campaigner: Barbara Pointon has campaigned for better care for dementia sufferers after looking after her husband, Malcolm, who lived with the condition for 11 years.

AN ALZHEIMER’S campaigner whose care of her husband was featured in an ITV documentary will be speaking about the condition in Guernsey next week.
Barbara Pointon, who received an MBE in 2006 for her work as a campaigner for better care for dementia sufferers, allowed cameras to follow her and husband Malcolm, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at the age of 51, for 11 years as they struggled to cope with the condition.
Malcolm and Barbara … Love’s Farewell was aired in August following his death in February 2007 and won critical acclaim.
Following the documentary, Mrs Pointon has been made a government adviser on dementia.
She will be speaking at the annual meeting of the Guernsey branch of the Alzheimer’s Society’s and Liz Head, fund-raiser for the charity, said it was an honour to welcome her to the island.
‘Barbara Pointon is known for being featured in the film which follows Malcolm’s slow decline from Alzheimer’s and her devoted nursing,’ she said.
‘We are particularly delighted that Barbara has agreed to come to Guernsey to share her thoughts and ideas with the members of the local branch.
‘Barbara campaigns tirelessly all over the world for better Alzheimer’s care. She is fitting us in after returning from abroad and before going off to the north of England.
‘Everywhere she goes she beats the drum and it will be interesting to show her the progress at Maison de Quetteville, the new home dedicated to the care of Alzheimer’s sufferers and the facilities at our Alzheimer’s Centre, of which we are so proud.’

The meeting is at Les Cotils Christian Centre on Monday evening at 6 for a 6.30 start. Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome and it will be a wonderful opportunity to ask any questions about Alzheimer’s, Mrs Head added.