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Episode details

Radio Leeds,6 mins

Mum dies at home, in her sleep, in her own bed - son Andrew is relieved that her dearest wish has come true

Andrew Edwards

Available for over a year

Carolyn Edwards was diagnosed with mixed dementia, vascular and Alzheimer's, at the start of 2018. Her sons had begun to notice changes in her behaviour the previous year. In 2019 her older son Andrew - a radio presenter at BBC Radio Leeds - began to record this weekly audio diary. He talks honestly about the challenges and occasional joys of looking after someone with a disease which is affecting more and more people. He's often described Mum as a T.O.B. - a tough old bird. But, in recent weeks, her condition has deteriorated sharply. In this moving, extended edition he talks about her death, at the age of 86. Carolyn wanted to die in her own bed, in her own home, in her sleep. And - despite many challenges - Andrew is relieved that her dearest wish came true. She died, her two sons at home with her, on July 11th 2022. Mum and Me: The Dementia Diary was originally broadcast on BBC Radio Leeds.

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