Brave Barbara vows to carry on despite her Alzheimer’s
DAME Barbara Windsor has spoken publicly for the first time since it was revealed she has Alzheimer’s disease.
The former star of EastEnders and the Carry On films said she ‘still intends to carry on’ and thanked fans for their support.
Dame Barbara, 80, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in April 2014 but she and her husband Scott Mitchell decided they would only tell close friends and family.
In a pre-recorded audio message on ITV’s Loose Women to panellist Jane Moore, who broke the story last week, the actress said: ‘Hi Jane, and all the Loose Women, it’s Barbara Windsor here! I just want to wish you a very happy birthday, darling Jane. Thank you, thank you so much for being a loyal and good friend and helping Scott share my recent news.
‘Thank you to everyone for the lovely messages of support that I’ve been receiving, it really means such a lot to me, it truly does.
‘Have a great day and have no fear, as I still intend to carry on, and God bless everyone.’
Dame Barbara’s message left all of the Loose Women panel emotional. Miss Moore, who was 56 yesterday, wiped away tears and said: ‘Thank you Barbara my darling... lovely.’
Mr Mitchell, 55, previously revealed that Alzheimer’s has robbed Dame Barbara of memories of her 25-year relationship – including 18 years of marriage – with him.
He decided to speak out about his wife’s illness after her memory loss worsened.