It is with deep sadness that the DACHA team learnt of Sue Fortescue’s death from pancreatic cancer aged 75, on 24th August 2022.
Sue was part of our Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement team in the early days of the DACHA study. She brought to this role her experience of having a father with dementia who, before his own death, lived in a care home.
She was a gifted woman with talents in translation, computing and international banking and held a passion for making a difference to the lives of older people in care homes. Her links with the Alzheimer’s Society Research Network were invaluable to our work.
People who knew her well will appreciate how much we learnt from her. Whilst always challenging the status quo, she encouraged us always to do the best we possibly could to enhance measurement of quality of life in care homes. She kept a clear focus on what matters and what works for older people and was keen to support others to learn from her experience.
It is comforting to know that in retirement, whilst busy with various volunteering roles, she found time to enjoy her beach hut in Poole Dorset. A true leader, she leaves a legacy of wisdom with us.
