Corrie Alzheimer's Disease storyline featured in 2013 calendar

Paul "the fireman" Kershaw features in this wonderful picture from the Alzheimer's Society 2013 Calendar.

Paul, played by actor Tony Hirst, turns up outside of the Rovers Return for the month of December 2013.

And actress Judy Holt who played his on-screen wife Lesley Kershaw, who had early onset Alzheimer's Disease, features for the month of August.

Buy the calendar and/or donate
to the Alzheimer's Disease Society here.

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Lesley Kershaw and Corrie's Alzheimer's Disease story

So, it's farewell to Lesley Kershaw as she's killed off in a storyline shortcut to get Eileen and Paul together without any guilt, well not much anyway. But before we forget all about her, I'd just like to blog how much I've admired watching Lesley Kershaw's portrayal of an Alzheimer's Disease sufferer.

Having first-hand experience of Alzheimer's Disease in our family, currently with an older family member, I know that Judy Holt's portrayal of Lesley has been spot on, at times painfully so. It raised a lot of issues for those who love and care for people with Alzheimer's Disease including showing how difficult finding good care is, and proving that not everyone, not even 'Mother Earth' Eileen can cope. It's also highlighted that Alzheimer's Disease isn't just an old person's disease, it can happen much earlier too.

However, with the experience I have of managing care for a family member with Alzheimer's Disease, I would take issue with Coronation Street for not showing enough care options for people in Paul's position.  I know, for instance, how wonderful our local Social Services have been in terms of assessment and providing care, in our case it's been day-care but they also offer carers who come into the person's home. It doesn't have to be a care-home full-time, it doesn't have to be all or nothing.

Why didn't Corrie show there were options available?  Because in the world of soap, it's easier to kill off a character in order to move the story on. I understand that, of course, Corrie isn't the real world.

Judy Holt has been wonderful as Lesley Kershaw.  The actress will be opening a fun-run in aid of Dementia Awareness on Saturday May 26 in Bury, find out more here.

The event co-incides with Dementia Awareness Week and has been organised by Bury Adult Care Services and partners. All proceeds will be divided equally between Making Space and the Alzheimer's Society.

Did you know Judy Holt has been in Corrie before? Back in 1991 she played Mrs Grice - find out details at Corrie.net.

Link: The Alzheimer's Society UK 
Link: Dementia Awareness Week - May 20-26 2012


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Corrie Funeral Filmed

Sue Cleaver (Eileen) and Tony Hirst (Paul) have been spotted filming funeral scenes – and unfortunately it looks like we’ll soon be seeing the death of Paul’s wife, Lesley.

The Sun has pictures of Eileen and Paul shooting on location. Lesley’s Alzheimer’s disease recently got too much for Paul to care for on his own, and she moved into a care home.

A sad end to the storyline, but one that can perhaps lead to a long-term relationship for Eileen and Paul? This Corrie fan hopes so!

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