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Suranne Jones reveals heartbreak of losing her mum to dementia

Photo credit: David M. Benett
Photo credit: David M. Benett

From Prima

Suranne Jones has spoken out about her late mother's battle with dementia and the impact losing her has had, almost two and a half years on from her death.

Her mum Jenny was diagnosed with vascular dementia – the second most common type in the UK – in her late fifties. An age that often surprises people.

Suranne said: 'Sometimes when you talk about dementia, people imagine it’s a term that only refers to old people.

'My mum was diagnosed at quite a young age, in her late fifties, and her dementia accelerated quite fast.' She said Jenny's daily routine was quickly turned upside down, as she struggled to dress herself.

The Doctor Foster star has since become involved with the Alzheimer's Society. She's made a film with 59-year-old dementia sufferer Paul Hoskins ahead of the charity's annual fundraiser, Cupcake Day on 13th June.

In the film, the pair talk candidly about the affect dementia has had on both of their lives while baking carrot cupcakes based on Paul's grandmother's recipe.

'As my mum was a similar age to Paul when she was diagnosed, it was enlightening to meet someone who was going through a similar experience to hers, with such optimism and strength,' she said.

Suranne, who's currently starring in Gentleman Jack on BBC1, has previously spoken about coming to terms with losing her mum.

'At the time, it didn’t occur to me that I might lose her. Now…I can really appreciate how brave she was,' she told the Mirror. ‘Mum’s illness brought our family closer and made us realise what an amazing person she is.'

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