Photo appeal after attack
OFFICERS are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man they would like to speak to in connection with an assault in Derby.
The incident occurred in Markeaton Park between 8.30pm and 10pm on May 19 when a woman in her 20s was assaulted by a man.
Police say they are keen to speak to the man pictured in connection with the incident as he may have information which could help with their investigation.
This man could hold important information
A FORMER soldier and police worker has celebrated his 60th birthday alongside his family, with help from his care home – a decade after a diagnosis that changed his life forever.
Ian Burton, a former soldier who was once stationed in the Falklands Islands and was a technical support worker for Derbyshire Police, was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia a few months before his 50th birthday.
Ian has lived at Barrowhill Hall on the Derbyshire border for the last seven years. The care home gathered his loved ones together to celebrate the veteran’s birthday on a day of live music, with a buffet and a special tank cake – a tribute to his military career – on show at the home.
His grandchildren were in attendance, along with family, friends, residents and team members.
Ian left the 22 Signal Regiment in 2006 after 22 years of service, and became a technical support worker for Derbyshire Police.
As he approached his 50th birthday, signs of his condition began to emerge, and he was medically retired after his diagnosis.
Ian’s wife, Wendy, said: “Everyone went above and beyond to make Ian’s 60th a special event. It was heart-warming and lovely for us to have that memory as a family. It means a lot that the home were able to create that for us.
“The team at Churnet Lodge are so supportive and welcoming and they do everything they can to keep Ian well and content. Over the last two years he has continued to deteriorate, he needs complete support and has recently lost the ability to walk.
“As a family we have to accept these changes and we talk openly about what we are going to face. There is still some recognition from him and he likes to watch our two grandchildren play.”
The party took place just ahead of Dementia Awareness Week and since his diagnosis Wendy has become a carer herself and dedicates her time to raising awareness about rare forms of dementia.
Wendy said: “I attend seminars and I am a volunteer with Rare Dementia Support. Our aim is for people to ask what type of dementia someone has as opposed to thinking of Alzheimer’s if someone discloses they have dementia.
“Bruce Willis’ diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia last year, the same type Ian has, helped to raise awareness and it would be great to keep this momentum. I also work with the education team at Derby Royal giving ‘expert by experience’ interviews to medical students.
“When they are fully trained and are GPs of the future they will have a better understanding of the typical traits of someone who has frontotemporal dementia and the difficulties facing carers and family members.
“The team at Barrowhill Hall have been a pillar of support and I can always turn to them for information too. It’s lovely to be able to take this knowledge and my experience and use it to help others when I’m out in the community.”
The care home’s manager, Dania Meadows, said: “Education around dementia is incredibly important and people like Wendy are integral to raising awareness.
“We do everything we can to provide outstanding care, give reassurance to families and to try and alleviate people’s worries and concerns about their dementia journeys.
“It’s been a privilege to be able to care for Ian during his time here and we will continue to do so, supporting his family every step of the way.
“It was lovely to be able to mark his 60th birthday bringing his loved ones together for the occasion.”