Sian Welby has shared the emotional toll of her father Ian’s vascular dementia diagnosis, opening up about the guilt she feels for being unable to visit as much as she would like. The This Morning star, 39, revealed that living in London and parenting her 23-month-old daughter Ruby makes regular visits to her 86-year-old father, who lives with her mother Helen in Nottinghamshire, extremely challenging.
“I’m a very emotional person and very empathetic,” Sian explained. “It breaks my heart that I can’t just pop over, especially because he’s pretty much deaf now and can’t hear me like he used to. I miss him even more since having a baby.”
Sian publicly revealed her father’s diagnosis on ITV two years ago, though subtle signs of dementia had appeared long before. “It was quite a wake-up call,” she said. “You suddenly realise there’s a reason for the changes you’ve noticed for years, and it hits hard.”
On Monday, Sian visited The Spitz Charitable Trust care home to witness firsthand the transformative power of music for people living with dementia. She described the experience as deeply personal and emotional: “It made me think so much about my dad. Seeing people’s moods literally change through music was incredible — it reminded me of the precious moments I want to spend with him.”
The charity, which has also performed at Great Ormond Street Hospital and Northwick Park Hospital, is recognized as a leader in meaningful, person-centered musical experiences for dementia patients. Amy Shackleton, CEO of Music for Dementia, praised the work: “Seeing The Spitz deliver these sessions first-hand was truly extraordinary. The impact on residents is immediate and profound.”
Sian candidly reflected on the challenges of balancing her career, family, and caring for her father: “Emotionally, I’m often drained trying to be a good mum, daughter, fiancée, and sister. But experiences like this remind me how important it is to factor in time for my own family and cherish the moments we have.”
Through her heartfelt visit and openness, Sian Welby highlights both the struggles families face with dementia and the profound healing power of music in care settings, providing insight and inspiration for others navigating similar journeys.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
