People are being urged to send birthday cards to a very special Southport mum suffering with dementia during the coronavirus lockdown.
Pauline Ball will celebrate her 67th birthday next Thursday (April 30).
Unfortunately, because of the lockdown and the Government restrictions in place, her loving family are not allowed to be there with Pauline on her big day.
So instead, they are asking everyone in our community to play their part in making it very special.
Many in the local community will know Pauline for her role working as a Family Liaison Officer
At Peterhouse School in Southport.
Her daughter, Kate Ball, said: “Next Thursday my mum, Pauline, is 67. She has dementia and is cared for in an amazing home.
“Obviously due to the ongoing situation, we can’t go in to visit her which saddens the family deeply. For her birthday this year I would like some help from YOU.
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“If possible I would love for you to send her a birthday card, even if you don’t know her. I want to fill her room with cards. It’s a big room, so we’ll need a few!
“If you wanted to include any artwork to be displayed in the home, to add colour at this dark time, that would also be appreciated.”
Particularly grateful for any kindness shown would be Pauline’s husband, Les, who turned 69 on Monday.
The couple have been married for nearly half a century.
Kate said: “Mum and Dad met when they were young on Bank Hall Railway Station in Liverpool, going to Everton. They have been married for 46 years. Mum worked at Peterhouse School in Southport as a Family Liaison Officer. She loved working with kids with disabilities.
“Mum was diagnosed with dementia at 63, very young. My Dad cared for her until he no longer could.
“She moved into Dale Park care home, opposite Meols Cop High School in Southport, three years ago.
“When she first moved in she would walk for hours and hours. They even had to feed her while she walked round!
“But as the years have gone by she has dwindled, no longer wanting to walk. She is happy to just sit and have someone hold her hand.
“She can’t respond how she used to, but we as a family get some smiles out of her.
“The staff at Dale Park have been amazing in everything they do to care for Mum, and have been in touch regularly to let us know what’s going on at their home.
“I think the staff will be amazed at the amount of cards we could get, and artwork to brighten up the residents’ faces would be amazing!
“I have set up a JustGiving page too for her birthday, just to give back to Dementia UK, who have been there for me when I needed them most. If you could donate even just £1 I would be very thankful!”
Please donate to Dementia UK at:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mumis67
Please post cards / art / anything colourful to:
Pauline Ball
C/O Kate Ball
35 Dunbar Crescent
Southport
Pr8 3aa