Veteran thanks neighbours for wife's care campaign
A Nottinghamshire RAF veteran who faced separation from his wife after more than 60 years of marriage has thanked his neighbours for their help in campaigning for her to be looked after at home.
Stanley Cooke, 84, feared his wife Joyce would have to move into a nursing home after she suffered a stroke at their home in Brinsley.
Mr Cooke has spent the past eight years caring for his 82-year-old wife, who suffers from dementia, with the help of only one carer.
But after Mrs Cooke suffered a stroke last week, Nottinghamshire County Council told him he needed two carers to visit three times a day.
Social workers said the extra help was not available immediately and suggested Mrs Cooke move in to a nursing home while the situation was resolved.
But Mr Cooke, who has not spent one night apart from his wife in 24 years, feared the move could become permanent.
Fellow villagers launched a campaign on his behalf. Armed with placards, they travelled to protest outside the council's social services offices.
Now the authority has found the extra staff needed to care for Mrs Cooke at home.
Mr Cooke, a retired brick-layer, said: "We have been married 62 years so Joyce wouldn't have lasted. It's all about love; 62 years of love. It's not a modern thing nowadays to spend a long time with someone.
"He added: "Of course I thank my neighbours. I have lived in the village 84 years and know most of the people here. I have done a lot myself. That's how it works in the village. You can always rely on help from someone."
Copyright (c) Press Association Ltd. 2008, All Rights Reserve
SOURCE: WorksopGuardianUK
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