A WOMAN who had dementia and promoted the work of a charity that helps people with the condition has died aged 68.

Jenny Neal’s husband of 44 years Tony spoke after her death of their appreciation for the help the York branch of the Alzheimer’s Society had given during the two years after Mrs Neal was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, which is similar to Alzheimer’s Disease.

He said: “They have been absolutely marvellous. We would never have known how all the people with similar problems were looked after. We have made some very good friends.”

He plans to continue his association with the society.

Mrs Neal a former bank clerk from Huntington, was a regular attender at the society’s Singing For The Brain sessions as she could still sing after she found it difficult to hold a conversation.

She also took part in vintage tea parties publicising the charity’s work and the couple were involved in a Joseph Rowntree Foundation project about dementia. Mr Neal said she was a “a lovely, genuine lady”.

Mrs Neal died in York Hospital. The couple have two daughters.