Girl, 10, creates film about nan's Alzheimer's

A 10-year-old girl has been named runner-up in a film competition after creating a video about her grandmother who has Alzheimer's.

Layla, from Stoke-on-Trent, made Hope Remembers – a short video about her relationship with her grandmother June, who was diagnosed with the condition in 2015.

She entered it into the national Bring Hope Home contest run by the Pauline Quirke Academy (PQA), which Layla attends, and it was described as a "heartfelt" film which explores the impact of the disease through the eyes of a child.

Layla told BBC Radio Stoke June was a "kind, caring and lovely" grandmother who she could always have a laugh with.

She said she wanted to help other children who might be going through a similar situation with a relative.

Asked what June thought of the film, Layla said: "My nan was speechless, she was over the moon."

PQA said her film, which was one of three runners-up, weaved together happy memories and cherished moments to create a "loving portrait" of the pair's bond.

Instead of focusing on loss, competition organisers said it centred on the stories June told and Layla's joy of being with her.

Samantha, Layla's mother and June's daughter, said the film was an emotional watch for the family and they were really proud of her.

"She shared Alzheimer's through the eyes of a child with such honesty, warmth and compassion," Samantha added.

"She's got a beautiful, loving relationship with her nan and that bond has helped to create something so genuine and heartfelt."

She said June was currently doing OK and was being looked after by Layla's granddad and carers.

"I think there's not really enough support for children, it's never mentioned," Samantha added.

"When you watch the adverts from the telly, it's never from a child's point of view. It's good that Layla has made this video to bring that awareness."

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