Coronation Street director publishes book to raise money for Alzheimer's charity

Kay Patrick, both a director and associate producer on Coronation Street, is self-publishing her first novel to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK after her sister was diagnosed with dementia.

Ms Patrick, aged 74, will be donating the money she makes from the paperback to the UK’s leading dementia research charity, which funds studies into the condition.

Her older sister June, was diagnosed with dementia two years ago when she was aged 78.

Commenting on her sister’s condition and what led her to raise money for Alzheimer’s Research UK, Ms Patrick said: “My sister is still quite capable but has lost some of her animation. She’s still my sister, but we don’t know how long that will last.

“What really brings me to tears is her awareness of what’s happening. She knows what’s going on but there’s nothing she can do about it. That’s the hardest part.

“When I found out that June had dementia, I wanted something positive to come out of what was a terrible shock – something constructive to arise from a condition that’s so destructive.

“Research is fundamental to controlling and understanding this condition. I really want to get to the bottom of it. If we can build an understanding of dementia, maybe we can find a way to control it.”

Ms Patrick, from Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, retired from her job on hearing her sister’s diagnosis, having worked as an actor and director for many years.

After training at RADA, Ms Patrick acted in Doctor Who alongside William Hartnell and later worked in BBC radio and TV production. She spent 20 years directing Coronation Street, leaving in 2015.

June’s condition first became apparent when she developed memory problems and started to get muddled easily. There has since been deterioration in her movement, causing her trouble walking.

The money that Ms Patrick raises from her book, The Trial of Marie Montrecourt, will go towards funding pioneering dementia research.

Hannah Reynolds, community fundraising executive at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: “This year, 225,000 people in the UK will develop dementia – that’s one every three minutes. Only research into diagnosis, prevention and treatments can help us combat this awful condition.

“Every one of Ms Patrick’s books that is bought will help to fund innovative and much-needed dementia research.”

The Trial of Marie Montrecourt, a crime novel set in Edwardian times, is due to be released on 28 May 2016. For more information visit: www.troubador.co.uk.