A DEVOTED wife who lost her husband to dementia has created a "powerful legacy," and is an "inspiration," according to MP John Woodcock.

Eric Bazley, 85, died yesterday (Monday) in Abbey Meadow, Barrow, of a heart attack just four months after being transferred to the facility from The Priory in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire.

His loving wife Madge, 83, was determined to keep him in Barrow after medics tried to move the former shipyard worker from Dane Garth, at Furness General Hospital, to Middlesborough for specialist care.

Mrs Bazley, who had been married to Eric for 64 years said: "It is the most dreadful illness, it really is.

"I just had to share my story because I don't want it happening to others- people are being shipped about like they are pieces of material.

"I still can't believe it."

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Labour MP for Barrow and Furness, John Woodcock, offered his support to the Bazleys last year and was saddened by the news.

He said: "The Bazleys have been real pillars of the community. I'm just so sad for Madge, she's been a real inspiration in the way she pushed to get a fair deal.

"What she has done over the year will help many others who find themselves in a similar situation.

"The progress she's made has changed the rules and will undoubtedly be a turning point and stand as a key precedent in the future.

"Because of her determination, many others will have it easier and that is a very powerful legacy."

Walney resident Eric was first admitted to Dane Garth on the couple's 63rd wedding anniversary in April 2016 after his dementia worsened.

It wasn't until Mr Bazley further deteriorated that medics had to send him to other facilities in Settle and Dewsbury, leaving his wife and their son Paul at home.

Mrs Bazley said: "It's not the moving that's the problem, it's the way it's being done.

"People need to talk about it - they need to stand up and be counted.I don't know how people can be so cold hearted."

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