Hilary brought so much joy to lives

Photo: Neil Barrett

Hilary Shenton spent 21 years with June and Kel Hayes.

CARERS have paid tribute to a woman who had Down's Syndrome after she passed away aged 60.

Shared Lives carers June (69) and Kel Hayes (60), from Royton, adopted Hilary Shenton as one of their own 21 years ago.

They were told that Miss Shenton, who had a very severe learning difficulty and could not read or write, would not live to "a good age".

But the couple, who said Miss Shenton was like a daughter to them, expressed their huge appreciation that "things have improved for people with Down's."

Mrs Hayes, who has two daughters, said: "She moved in with us in February 1995 when she was 39 and it just worked from the start.

"We were told that she would not reach a good age and did not really expect that she would.

"But things have improved for people with Down's Syndrome.

"She was quite a healthy girl and it was only in the last few years that things became more difficult for her.

"But she never ever complained - she was really tough.

"She was like our third daughter.

"Everybody took to her.

"She had a lovely wink which she was famous for."

Well-loved Miss Shenton spent six years at Nuffield care home, Lees, after her late mum Theresa Shenton was diagnosed with dementia.

Her life with Mr and Mrs Hayes began when the couple applied to Adult Placement, now known as Shared Lives, to become carers.

Miss Shenton made day visits to centres across Oldham, including Choice learning centre and Gateway Club and more recently visited her sister Elizabeth in Hampshire twice annually.

But Miss Shenton, who used a wheelchair, was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease three years ago which led to several seizures in the last 12 months.

Mrs Hayes said: "She needed personal 24/7 care.

"We hope that the quality of life she had contributed to her long life.

"We know she was happy with us, just as we were happy with her and I think that makes a difference to anybody's life span.

"But thankfully there is more support for people with learning difficulties than there used to be.

"Hilary was checked over medically every year to ensure everything was okay."

A Down's Syndrome Association spokeswoman said: "The average life expectancy for those with Down's Syndrome has risen to between 50 and 60.

Miss Shenton passed away on November 8.

A funeral will be held at Oldham Crematorium on Monday, November 28 at 10.30am.