Admiral Nurses have been described as offering the same sort of support as Macmillan nurses, but for families and people affected by dementia instead of cancer.

There are only 85 Admiral Nurses in the UK and none in Norfolk, but a year ago Dementia UK, the charity behind the nurses, unveiled plans to bring their care to the county.

Barbara Stephens, chief executive of Dementia UK, said: “The very good news is that we have got some funding from a funder, but we can’t say who at this stage.

“This will be to establish one post and we are looking at the moment for a partner organisation, such as a care provider or charity, to get that post in place.

“The positive news is that there will be an Admiral Nurse in Norfolk soon.”

She said that it was still to be decided where the nurse would be based in Norfolk, but she hoped to start recruiting in a matter of weeks.

The charity has put in place a dedicated fund so that any money raised in Norfolk can go into the fund and will be spent in the county.

So far there is around £6,000 in the fund, but more is needed and the charity is appealing for people to consider it when looking to support projects.

However, introducing an Admiral Nurse is not simply a matter a raising enough money to employ a qualified nurse for a year.

Mrs Stephens explained that the charity always looks to work with partners, such a NHS bodies and third sector organisations, to help ensure that each and every Admiral Nurse role has a long-term sustainable future.

She said: “We always look to get a mix of funding, which has to include social care money and NHS money.

“It would be irresponsible of us to put anything in place which didn’t have that support.”

The national helpline Admiral Nursing Direct can be contacted on 0845 257 9406 or by email at direct@dementiauk.org. If you can help fundraise for the charity, contact Dementia UK on 0207 874 7200.

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