Will you help us be heard and drive change?
Share Gill's story to amplify our message.
This is a powerful account of her fight for proper dementia care for her Mum, Kath, a spirited former Northern pub landlady. It highlights a struggle faced by thousands. Join us in demanding better care, greater support and the respect every family deserves.
Together, we will not be ignored.
Our goal is to raise awareness on the human impact of a flawed dementia care system and prompt policy changes well before the government’s 2028 reform - by which time too many people and families will have already suffered. This initiative aims to inspire action, influence policymakers, and show people they are not alone in their journeys.
After her mother Kath died, following a long dementia journey, Gill sought to regain a sense of normality.
During lunch with her friend Yvonne, Gill casually remarked that she could write a book about everything that had happened. That offhand comment, fuelled by a few cocktails, sparked the idea of creating a script - or a play or screenplay - to honour Kath and raise awareness of the need to hold Power of Attorney.
With no prior experience in scriptwriting, Gill and Yvonne transformed this challenging chapter of Gill's life into a compelling script inspired by Kath's life and legacy. The result is punchy, emotional, and steeped in nostalgic music, featuring gritty Yorkshire dialect and humour. At its core, it delivers a powerful message and serves as a heartfelt call to action.
The story centres on Kath, a once vibrant and witty Sheffield pub landlady who, after retiring, is diagnosed with dementia.
Her daughter, Gill, faces the daunting task of navigating a fragmented and complex social care system, grappling with endless bureaucracy and repeated agency failures to secure the correct level of care for Kath over a gruelling seven-year battle, and save the family home from being sold to cover extreme care fees. Pushed to the brink, Gill ultimately takes her fight to Westminster.
The script is gritty, infused with Yorkshire humour, and set to a soundtrack from the pub jukebox of the 1970s and beyond.
Above all, it serves as an authentic portrayal of the struggles many families face daily and be a voice for dementia sufferers.
The support included the expertise of a brilliant dramaturg, who instilled confidence in Gill and Yvonne to believe in their project and helped refine the script. This guidance led to an overwhelmingly positive response to the presentation they delivered at the conclusion of their week-long development residency.
The response to the read-through with an invited audience was truly phenomenal, exceeding all expectations. The feedback provided a powerful testament to the significance and impact of the story. The audience feedback underscores the value of the message and the pressing need for it to be heard. This response has only strengthened Gill and Yvonne's resolve to share the work widely, using every possible avenue.
''An important drama inspired by true events which addresses concerns affecting us as individuals and as a society. The script takes us on an occasionally harrowing yet also joy filled journey through the life of an ordinary Yorkshire family forced to endure challenges which increasing numbers of us will face in the future. This play is a must see.'' Audience Member
How did the play affect you emotionally?
''I cried and laughed.''
What do you think are the main themes of the play?:
''David versus Goliath.''
What was good about the play?:
''It's earthy uncompromising position.''
How could the play be improved?:
''Not much more needs to be done - possibly a bit more exposition.''
I am very convinced that its power would be greatly enhanced with a screenplay version.''
Gill and Yvonne embarked on an entirely new experience, working with a professional podcast specialist to produce a compelling four-episode podcast series. This factual and hard-hitting series delves into critical issues, shining a spotlight on the essential need for individuals and families to secure Lasting Power of Attorney for both Health and Welfare, as well as for financial matters. Through their podcast, Gill and Yvonne aim to raise awareness and provide invaluable insights, encouraging listeners to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their loved ones.
''Now I’m not one for listening to podcasts….in fact, I’m a bit embarrassed to say, this is the first time I’ve ventured! Once I started to listen to Gill and Yvonne, I went on a bit of a podcast binge, they really grabbed me. I just couldn’t believe what I was hearing and appalled by what Gill and her mum had to go through. I feel a bit ashamed too, as to the state of our public services. Passed from pillar to post, left to find things out through painful experience, one catastrophe after another. I think it really hit home because my Dad is in his eighties and lives on his own. The very same could happen to our family. I’ve never really considered things to this extent - and I too can hear Mam and Dad saying ‘they’re not taking this house’. Thanks to Gill and Yvonne we are now sorting out POA. I’ve been able to explain things to Dad far easier, having listened to the story. A story with a very serious message, but delivered with humour. Real people telling a real story. I wish Gill and Yvonne all the luck in spreading the story far and wide. I loved listening, learned loads and smiled along the way. I’m now far better informed and much better prepared for something which hopefully never happens.'' LH
Gill and Yvonne discuss Gill's journey advocating for the proper care for her mother, Kath, the process of writing the script, and the challenges posed by the politics of a failing care system. They also address the bureaucratic red tape that creates significant obstacles for those caring for a loved one with dementia, and the need to hold Lasting Power of Attorney for Health an Welfare.. Please note, the discussion contains some strong language.
If you would like to help us to drive the script forward whether as Actors, Agents or Investors we would love to hear from you.
We are especially keen to hear about peoples own experiences—let’s come together to share our stories, support one another, and work towards making meaningful change for the better. Your voice and insights are invaluable, and together we can shine a light on the issues that matter most.
Thank you - we will respond to you as soon as we can.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.