Barbara Windsor still has ‘fun personality’ says EastEnders’ Kellie Shirley, despite ‘troubling days’ battling dementia

EASTENDERS legend Barbara Windsor still boasts her “infectious” charisma amid her battle with Alzheimer’s, according to close friend and former co-star Kellie Shirley. The actress spoke openly of the 82-year-old’s public battle with the illness, after completing the London Marathon in tribute to her and the Dementia Revolution campaign, by Alzheimer’s UK. In a chat […]

EASTENDERS legend Barbara Windsor still boasts her “infectious” charisma amid her battle with Alzheimer’s, according to close friend and former co-star Kellie Shirley.

The actress spoke openly of the 82-year-old’s public battle with the illness, after completing the London Marathon in tribute to her and the Dementia Revolution campaign, by Alzheimer’s UK.

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In a chat with host Christine Lampard on Monday’s Lorraine, she told how she recently shared a cream tea with Babs, who played Queen Vic landlord Peggy Mitchell on the BBC One soap.

Talking of her character, she gushed: “She was on form.
”She has got such a spark and a fun personality.
“She is infectious to be around. She puts on a performance when she is with all of us.”

PA:Press Association

Yet, in a note to the illness Barbara has been battling for five years, Kellie tellingly said: “But she is living with dementia, and it varies from day to day.
“You have good days and you have troubling days.”

On Friday, Sun Online reported how Virgin Radio DJ Chris Evans was also set to tackle a marathon in Amsterdam to raise cash for the same campaign.

Kellie’s feat saw her team up with EastEnders stars Tanya Franks, Adam Woodyatt, Jake Wood, Emma Barton, Natalie Cassidy, Jamie Borthwick and Jane Slaughter for the endurance feat in London in April.

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The team raised over £550,000 between them for the Dementia Revolution campaign.

Barbara was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2014 and is a supporter of Dementia Revolution and the

Alzheimer’s Society.

She  recently delivered a letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson pleading for better care for dementia sufferers.

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