Soap star who played vicar with dementia unveils care home that's 'like a 7-star hotel'

Actor John Middleton, who famously played a vicar with dementia in the ITV soap Emmerdale, has opened a new care home that is ‘like a 7-star hotel’.

Well-known for his portrayal of Emmerdale character Ashley Thomas, who was diagnosed with younger-onset vascular dementia, actor John Middleton visited Pendle Brook, a 50-bed dementia care home in Accrington to unveil a wooden plaque commemorating its opening.

Mr Middleton’s TV role playing Ashley Thomas, involved liaising with care homes, care workers and the Alzheimer’s Society to understand dementia and deliver an accurate representation of the condition in the ITV drama. He continues to work with the charity and attend events to highlight the work care staff do to help people with dementia feel included in society.

John Middleton said: “I was delighted to be asked to open this exceptional care home.

"The thought and careful consideration that has gone into the making and design of Pendle Brook is second to none. However, it is the staff that will give it its life. It is a genuine home full of loving care”.

The Mayor of Hyndburn councillor June Harrison and Mayoress of Hyndburn councillor Joyce Plummer also attended the official opening party for the care home, which is owned by the care group Rochcare.

“It feels more like a 7-star hotel than a care home, it’s amazing and it was an honour to be invited along to celebrate the day with Pendle Brook”, said Mayor June Harrison.

The care home in Oswaldtwistle has been designed to minimise the stress and confusion often associated with dementia. The wide corridors, many communal areas and dedicated quiet lounges make it easy for residents with dementia to get around the care home and relax. The care home’s use of colour and pictures also help residents find their way around.

Each of the care home’s three floors have their own lounge for group activities. There is also a salon, landscaped gardens and a café open to the public.

At the launch party, care home staff presented a £1,000 cheque to representatives from the Alzheimer’s Society.

Amy Blackburn, community fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society, said: “We are extremely grateful to the home for donating this money and look forward to working with the Pendle Brook team in the future.

“Dementia is now the UK’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes. Too many are facing dementia alone without adequate support. We urgently need to find a cure, improve care and offer help and understanding for people affected.

"We’re here to change that but we need more organisations like Pendle Brook Care Home to join us as we take on dementia together. Alzheimer’s Society is urging everyone to unite against dementia.”

The Rochcare runs three other care homes in Burnley, Chorley and Oldham.

Athar Mamood, a director at the Rochcare: “We are incredibly grateful to John Middleton, the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn and of course the Alzheimer’s Society for attending our open day."

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