A widow has written a variety of poems in memory of her late husband to raise money for dementia research.

Delia Redsell, 81, has now published a book, called Poems from the Heart, which consists of 26 verses about things that have happened throughout her life.

The Minster resident is hoping to raise as much money as possible in memory of her husband William, also known as Bill, who died in January this year, aged 89.

Bill, who had been married to Delia for 56 years, was diagnosed with dementia about five years ago.

“Before then, it was gradually coming on to him,” Delia said. “I took up the computer a few years back and I found I could type what I felt in my mind and could actually bring it to a poem and express myself in writing.

“From there on, I have got my own page on Facebook, called For the Love of Verse, and people seem to like my poems.

“I thought to myself, I can’t do anything now for Bill, but if I can make this book I can sell them and put the proceeds to dementia research and perhaps help someone else.”

Delia, who has three daughters and five grandchildren, had been caring for her husband up until his death.

She said: “When you’re caring for somebody, they spend a lot of time in the armchair sleeping. That’s why I got on the computer and writing these poems kept me going. It was another outlet.

“Whenever I wrote at home, I used to read them out to Bill. I don’t know if he really understood but he was there.”

When asked why it was important for her to raise money for dementia research, Delia said: “When you care for somebody with dementia, in the end they don’t know you, you’re just a carer, you are just looking after them. It’s a very debilitating disease.

"I know it won’t be an awful lot for me to do, but I thought it was something that I could do personally to help others, it’s keeping me going as well.”

She added: “Bill was a very kind man. He liked animals and he did weddings for years with the horse and trap. He was a lorry driver and worked for himself all through his life.”

The books, printed by Jenwood Printers in Sheerness, cost £7.99 each. To buy one, go to the For the Love of Verse Facebook page.

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