Niece supported by centre named after famous uncle
● Dementia classes at Eric Liddell Centre provide care to relative of Olympian
The niece of Olympian Eric Liddell, who was diagnosed with dementia four years ago, has been receiving support from the centre named in memory of her uncle.
Joan Nicol remembers her world-famous relative as a “kind” and “quietly spoken man” who was “always running or thinking about running”.
Now aged 82, she still has the teddy bear the Lothian star presented her on her third birthday, sitting pride of place in the living room she shares with her husband Bill Nicol, 82, in Gilmerton.
Joan goes to the Eric Liddell Centre in Morningside once a week in a group of 14 people to participate in different classes.
The centre has provided specialist care during the day for people with dementia in Edinburgh for the past 22 years. It allows Joan to socialise in a small and safe environment with people who understand the challenges of dementia. It also gives husband Bill, 83, rest from his caring duties.
He said: “We were always aware of the centre because of the family connection, but now that we use it every week we can really see what an excellent service it is and we are both very proud of it.
“As a carer, it would be more difficult for me to manage without the centre. It means Joan can go out without me and it gives me a little time to myself.”
The Eric Liddell Centre was named after the Bonnyrigg born sportsman who rose to fame in the 1940s after winning gold in the Olympics and playing rugby for Scotland.
Joan’s mother’s maiden name was Jenny Liddell and she was the younger sister of the late sporting hero. The pair were raised in Bonnyrigg along with their two siblings.
Joan remembers the first time she met her uncle, who spent much of his life working as a Christian missionary in China.
She said: “I remember meeting him on my third birthday. He was very kind and had bought me a teddy bear which I was very fond of.”
The soft toy now sits pride of place in the couple’s Gilmerton living room – a physical reminder of happy memories for Joan.
She said: “My uncle was a quiet person, never boasted about his successes, but I think he would be happy to know his service is now looking after his niece.”