Charley Webb, renowned for her role as Debbie Dingle in the popular soap Emmerdale, has shared her emotional journey following her mother Helen’s early-onset dementia diagnosis. During a heartfelt interview on the Life of Briony podcast, Charley opened up about the significant impact of her mother’s illness on her life.
Charley’s Emotional Journey with Mother’s Dementia Diagnosis
Helen was diagnosed with early-onset dementia approximately ten years ago. Charley described the experience as “eight years of hell” for her and her siblings. The family recently made the heart-wrenching decision to place Helen in a care home, a choice Charley labeled as the most challenging of their lives.
Initial Signs and Concerns
Charley recalled noticing the early symptoms of dementia while navigating her career in entertainment. Her mother had played a significant role in her professional life, backing her ventures and even managing her sister’s makeup academy. Gradually, Charley observed her mother forgetting important details and becoming confused.
- Initially thought to be merely forgetful.
- She confused significant financial matters.
- Charley was further alarmed during her pregnancy, linking stress to the search for a diagnosis.
Despite her mother always being fit and glamorous, the decline was painfully observable. Charley noted, “You lose them right before your eyes.” This sentiment resonated deeply, as she expressed a sense of grief over her mother’s changing personality.
Facing the Challenges of Dementia
Charley conveyed how confronting her mother’s condition has been challenging for her. She admitted to struggling with emotional responses during visits, contrasting her experience with that of her sister, who found joy in seeing Helen. “I have to be honest,” Charley stated. “I really struggle to go see my mum without getting upset.”
This raw honesty speaks to the difficult reality that many families face when dealing with dementia. Her acknowledgment that “you grieve when they’re here and you grieve when they’re gone” reflects the ongoing pain experienced by caregivers.
Raising Awareness for Dementia Care
Charley’s experience prompted her to advocate for dementia awareness through charity work. She encourages others to contribute, emphasizing the reality that “one out of two of us will get dementia or care for someone with dementia.” As a figure in the public eye, she hopes to foster discussions about this debilitating condition.
Participating in Charity Events
In alignment with her advocacy efforts, she supports initiatives like the upcoming 2026 Lifeline challenge organized by El-Balad. Participants can choose to hike various distances to raise funds for Alzheimer’s research and support services. This event exemplifies community collaboration to address dementia’s challenges.
- Register for distances of 25km, 50km, or 100km.
- Each participant has a fundraising goal to help provide essential support.
Charley Webb’s openness about her personal battle with her mother’s illness is a testament to the importance of advocacy and awareness surrounding dementia. Her story serves as a reminder of the emotional toll faced by families supporting loved ones through such difficult times.
