Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell takes on new role as he continues his campaign against dementia: ‘I know how proud she would have been’
Dame Barbara Windsor’s widower Scott Mitchell has taken on a new role as he continues his campaign in the fight against dementia.
Barbara, known for her portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, died in 2020 at the age of 83 from Alzheimer’s disease.
Scott, 61, will become the people’s champion of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission.
The charity was founded in 2021 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson in memory of the actress, who also acted in the film series Carry On.
It asks volunteers to join ‘Babs’ Army’ and help people diagnosed with dementia and their families.
Scott, 61, will become the People’s Champion of the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission, which was founded in 2021 by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson
Barbara, known for her portrayal of Peggy Mitchell in the BBC soap EastEnders, died in 2020 at the age of 83
Scott began caring for Barbara in 2014 when she became ill. He told The Sun why his new role as her charity’s people’s champion would have meant so much to Barbara
Scott began caring for Barbara in 2014 when she became ill. He told The sun why his new role would have meant so much to Barbara.
He said: “I will never cease to be proud of the courage, dignity and generosity that Barbara showed in her efforts to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s for as long as possible, whilst dealing with her own illness.
‘She gave a voice to millions of people affected by this terrible disease and we are told her statement changed the entire conversation around dementia.
‘I know how proud she would have been when, almost two years ago, we launched the Dame Barbara Windsor Dementia Mission in her memory… but until we find a cure, there is still so much more for us to do.’
Experts predict that the number of people with dementia in Britain will increase from the current figure of 944,000 to well over a million by 2025.
WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological conditions
A GLOBAL CARE
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological conditions (affecting the brain) that affect memory, thinking and behavior.
There are many forms of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of different forms of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global problem, but it is most common in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live to a very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports that there are currently more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 percent of those diagnosed.
There are an estimated 5.5 million people in the US with Alzheimer’s disease. A similar percentage increase is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk that he or she will develop dementia.
The number of diagnoses is increasing, but it is believed that many people with dementia are still undiagnosed.
IS THERE A TREATMENT?
There is currently no medicine against dementia.
But new medications can slow its progression and the sooner it is caught, the more effective treatments can be.
Source: Alzheimer’s Association
Since Barbara’s death, Scott has moved on with ‘amazing’ fellow EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross in the soap.
The couple had developed a close friendship over the years while working with the charity and Bab’s Army.
Scott told Kaye Adams about her How to Turn 60 podcast he is “very happy” in his new relationship with Tanya, 56, someone who is “very understanding.”
He said: “She is a wonderful lady who knew Barbara. It can’t be easy being with someone who was the other half of Barbara Windsor, especially since I still put myself out there and talk about her.
“So it says to me about the type of person Tanya is that she can handle that. She is very sure of herself as a person. Just because you’re not with someone for whatever reason doesn’t mean you’re just turning off a valve of love.’
Scott was Barbara’s third husband and they married in 2000.
Since Barbara’s death, Scott has moved on with ‘amazing’ fellow EastEnders actress Tanya Franks, who played Rainie Cross in the soap