LARKFIELD View Care Home is paying a lasting tribute to a former resident — by naming a unit in her memory.

Community activist Agnes McMillan was the first person to be cared for at the specialist dementia unit, and it is now to be bear her name.

The mum-of-thirteen spent the last four years of her life in the care home and staff who remember her fondly wanted to do something in her memory. During her lifetime, Agnes played an active role in the local community and her large family has followed in her footsteps.

Eldest son Danny, who now lives in the east end, said: “My mum was a great one for helping others. She was one of first members of the St Andrew’s Primary parent council in the 1950s.

“She was always busy with the guild and the chapel hall and was so well known in the area. She was very proud of living in Larkfield.

“We are honoured that the unit is to be called after her. The staff were so kind to my mum and the care she got there was really great.” Hard-working Agnes raised her children at properties in Stafford Road and Cambridge Road while her husband Hugh, a plumber, jobbed all over the country to provide for his family.

They moved out to the new estate in the 1950s from Wellington Street.

Danny added: “It was the first time I had ever seen an inside toilet. We had some great times there.” Danny himself has played a huge role in the growth of Larkfield, setting up food co-ops, credit unions and serving on various local committees.

He added: “I think all of that is definitely down to my mum’s influence.” Agnes passed away aged 83 in the care home during July 2011, 14 year after the death of her husband.

She is survived by her children Danny, Hughie, Martha, Lawrence, Agnes, Gerard, Joseph, Susan, Mary, Edward, Michael, Bernadette and Theresa.

The care home is having an official naming ceremony next month, and have invited the family of 13 along to do the honours.

Care home manager Elsie McLennan said: “The family have been so supportive of Larkfield View so we are delighted to be able to do this for them.

“Our close community ties are so important to us and Agnes was an inspiration to many.

“She epitomises everything that we are trying to do as a care home, so hopefully this is a fitting tribute.

“It was our activity co-ordinator Linda Daisley who suggested it and we all think it is a fantastic idea.”