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News:
Sir Norman's family have been for another visit to
the island recently and Sir Norman seems
to have
settled in really well at Abbottswood and is happy
and cheerful. He's been
out for rides, visited The
Norman Wisdom Bar at the Sefton Hotel, and his
manager/agent telephoned him on Thursday 20th. for a
long chat, and Sir Norman seemed very well and very
happy. He's still being his 'naughty' self....in
trying to get a kiss from all the ladies in the
home, and is still cracking a few gags and singing
to them all.. Needless to say his short term memory
suffers quite a bit at times, forgetting what he had
for breakfast etc., but all in all, he seems to love
being where he is, and we're sure that will go
toward helping all the many fans who thought he
might have suffered going into a home.
*****
His friend Steve Savage came over for a flying visit
from Spain recently to see Norman, and Steve was
pleased at the way our lovable Knight Of The Realm
looked and acted. They had a lot of fun together
during Steve's visit and he'll be back to see him
again in a few months time.
*****
Sir Norman's long time Cleaner/Housekeeper took him
for a car ride last week to meet up again with
Rodney, Norman's long time Gardener (he was with him
for over 20 years). Rodney and wife Pam made him
very welcome at their home, and they all had
afternoon tea together. Obviously Norman has lost
none of his mischievous ways, which only goes to
show he's settled into his new way of life and is
happy being a naughty little boy. Nothing changes
really!
*****
We heard a report recently, which was also picked up
by the Guardian, whereby LBC Radio presenter Steve
Allen had read out a letter on air, from a listener
(a fan of Sir Norman's) which was detrimental to
Norman's family and his current treatment. On Monday
17th March 2008, Steve Allen again went on air (at
05.20hrs) with another announcement. We have a copy
of that announcement, and it reads as follows:
On 21 November I read out extracts from a listener's
letter regarding Sir Norman Wisdom and his state of
health. Sir Norman's family have been in touch with
me as they feel that the letter I read out was
inaccurate in many respects and did not give a true
picture of the great lengths his family have taken
to provide the most appropriate care for Sir Norman.
The family have told me that the position is as
follows. Sir Norman has late onset Alzheimer's,
which appears to be progressing rapidly. His memory
is failing to such an extent that he now no longer
recognises some of his own family. Sir Norman's
family asked Brinsworth House (a home run by the
Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund
for retired
entertainers) if they would care for him but, due to
his medical state, they said they were unable to
look after him.
Sir Norman's family struggled for a number of months
to look after him in his home on the Isle Of Man.
However, it soon became apparent, as confirmed by
his medical team, that he was best placed in
specialist care.
Sir Norman's family have always respected his wish
to remain on the Isle Of Man, where he has always
said that he wishes to be buried. His family found a
suitable nursing home where 24 hours a day nursing
care, always specific to his needs, is available to
him. Sir Norman is now cared for by a wonderful team
who treat him with the care and dignity he deserves.
When Sir Norman was in good health he granted an
Enduring Power of Attorney to his son and daughter
so that they would be able to take decisions in his
best interests should his mental state deteriorate
in due course. His Attorneys registered the Power
when Sir Norman's health failed, as Sir Norman
always intended.
Sir Norman's house on the Isle Of Man is not being
sold, neither are his possessions. His family have
sought advice from the most senior judge in the Isle
Of Man, His Honour Deemster Kerruish, regarding sale
of any of Sir Norman's possession. Any decision on
such matters will be taken in accordance with Sir
Norman's best interests.
Sir Norman's family has not prevented contact from
the Showbiz community. For example, Kevin Woodford,
the celebrity chef, asked to visit him only recently
and his request was granted.
Sir Norman's family have made it clear to me that
they, like his countless fans, are determined to
ensure his protection, care and happiness.
I apologies to Sir Norman's family for any
suggestion that they had behaved in any way other
than in Sir Norman's best interests.
As stated above, this was read out on air, on LBC
radio by presenter Steve Allen at 5.20hrs
17th.March.
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