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Dementia Sufferer Marries Wife Of 12 Years Again, Thinking She's His New Girlfriend

Dementia Sufferer Marries Wife Of 12 Years Again, Thinking She's His New Girlfriend

Bill was diagnosed with the devastating condition almost a decade ago

Dominic Smithers

Dominic Smithers

A dementia sufferer has remarried his wife of 12 years after he proposed again - when he forgot their first wedding and was convinced she was his new girlfriend.

Bill Duncan, 71 and wife Anne, 69, have been together for 18 years, but as Bill's condition got worse he has forgotten parts of the life together.

Anne now cares for Bill, who struggles to talk, and when he popped the question last week she was stunned.

They tied the knot in an emotional garden ceremony at their home in Aberdeen on Saturday, and Anne said they are as happy as ever.

She said: "We'd been to a family member's wedding earlier in the month, and clearly it touched Bill as he turned to me not long after and said that he wanted to be with me forever.

The couple remarried, despite having already tied the knot 12 years earlier.
SWNS

"He asked me when would we be walking up the aisle together, and I thought he would just forget he'd asked me that, but then the next day he said it again.

"I had some friends coming over on the weekend and thought that would be the perfect time to have our second wedding, if Bill still wanted to by then.

"Every day, he asked me about our wedding, and finally on 17 August, I walked down the aisle with my wonderful husband, 12 years after our first wedding.

"Our friends pitched in to help with decorating the garden and providing a wedding cake, and my daughter Andrea convinced me to get a dress for the day too.

"We renewed our vows surrounded by a small group of our friends and family, and even added some bits in for Bill so it felt like he really was getting married.

Bill has been on cloud nine since he wed Anne for the second time.
SWNS

"It was the most beautiful day, and being with our friends in the garden we share together made it all the more perfect."

The loving couple first met in 2001 when Bill was performing as an entertainer and magician in Aberdeen. Soon after, the pair fell madly in love and tied the knot for the first time back in 2007.

They have a daughter, Andrea, together.

Sadly, however, just three years into their marriage, Anne began to notice some changes in Bill's behaviour.

After visiting the doctor, they were dealt the devastating news that Bill had dementia.

Over the past nine years, Anne has cared for Bill full time as he slowly forgets their precious memories together and he now struggles to talk to her.

Bill and Anne when they married the first time.
SWNS

Despite Bill's condition, the couple still manage to share their passion for dance, and they even set up a monthly event called Boogie in the Bar where dementia sufferers can enjoy a disco.

Anne said: "It can be difficult adjusting to life with dementia for both the sufferer and their partner, and we're always looking for ways to still enjoy ourselves.

"We attended a friend's party last year, and as Bill and I took to the dance floor, it was like all of our troubles melted away.

"Dancing together helped us forget dementia for that moment, and it was like my old husband was back in my arms - it was beautiful.

"We knew it could help other people in similar situations and give them a chance to escape their worries, so we set up a dementia-friendly disco and it's been a real success."

Anne has been Bill's rock since he was diagnosed with dementia in 2010, and their love has conquered one of the most devastating blows a couple could endure.

Despite the illness, the couple still share a love of dancing.
SWNS

Since getting married again last weekend, 'newly-wed' Bill has been on cloud nine, believing he has just wed his beloved girlfriend, and Anne couldn't be happier.

She said: "Bill has been so affectionate ever since I accepted his proposal, lavishing me in kisses and cuddles.

"Since his diagnosis, his displays of affection have become scarce, so to have all of this love radiating from him towards me has been truly wonderful.

"Our ceremony in the garden was very emotional, and I'm just so happy that he still loves me this much after all these years of battling dementia.

"Bill is a wonderful man and has always brought joy to other people's lives throughout his career as an entertainer, and he'll never stop bringing joy to mine."

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: UK News, Interesting, Dementia, Health