A “FIERCELY independent, inspirational and intelligent” woman whose old age was stolen by Alzheimer’s disease, has left thousands of pounds to help others with the condition.

Phyliss Manville, of Fewcott, near Bicester, had lived with the debilitating disease for more than 10 years before she died in August last year, aged 91.

She left £10,000 for research into the disease, which about 6,000 people in Oxfordshire suffer from.

Her son Bill Manville said that, before she was diagnosed, his mother was a real character, with a streak of stubbornness.

Mr Manville, from North Oxford, said: “It was so sad to see such a capable and inspirational lady gradually being robbed of her abilities, as Alzheimer’s took hold.

“During her lifetime she served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service, and mastered playing the piano, the clarinet and the violin.

“She also visited most continents around the world. She even achieved her dream of visiting Antarctica when she reached 80.

“After that trip, we noticed a change in her. She lost interest in doing her beloved Times crosswords and became increasingly forgetful and confused.

“But she was fiercely independent and refused to listen to advice to receive specialist care.”

At the height of the illness, Mrs Manville became paranoid, convinced her neighbours were trying to steal her keys, and hid them daily. When she then could not find them, she took this as confirmation they had been stolen.

Mr Manville said the condition took a more serious turn when his mother had a bad fall, and it grew clear she could no longer live alone.

Before the disease took its full grip, Mr Manville convinced his mother to leave a legacy to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust, the UK’s leading dementia research charity.

He said: “She knew there was little that could be done to help her, as there is still so much to be learnt about this cruel disease, and little money for research.

“She left this gift to help the Alzheimer’s Research Trust with its vital work and give hope to future generations.

“Even though she’s no longer with us, I’m proud to know that her generosity will make a difference.”

The Alzheimer’s Research Trust said the money would help fund cutting-edge research to find new treatments for the disease.

Chief executive Rebecca Wood said:“We are very grateful for the generous gift Phyliss has left in her will to help us defeat Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

“This money will fund over 800 hours of world-class research and bring us ever nearer to finding preventions, new treatments and an eventual cure.”

  • Today is World Alzheimer’s Day which aims to raise awareness of the condition and to encourage governments to take steps to improve support for dementia sufferers.