A DECORATOR who painstakingly recreated his former home to help his wife cope with dementia has won hearts all over the world for his loving act.

Matt Muircroft, 75, and his wife Julie moved from their home of 30 years in Berkshire to their native Motherwell last May to be near to close family.

However Matt, who spent a decade decorating for Royalty, was told that big changes in surroundings can cause anxiety in people affected by dementia.

So the devoted husband, who painted sections of St George's chapel for Prince Edward and Sophie Rhys-Jones' wedding, used his craft to replicate the decor of his former home to the finest detail.

After his story appeared online, message of support and praise flooded in from afar afield as Australia, the Middle East and America with many saying they were moved to tears by the story.

Charity leaders at Alzheimer Scotland described Matt as an "inspiration".

But the modest pensioner brushed off the praise saying: "My sole focus in life now is looking after Julie.

"When a family friend told me people from all over the world have been posting messages - and I'd even made news in China - I thought he was pulling my leg.

"I've not got a computer so it's hard to comprehend there are so many over the world who've taken an interest.

"It's never been about me - and it never will be. It's about love and I just want to do all I can to help my wife. It's that simple."

Arlene Crockett, Locality Manager of Lanarkshire Dementia Resource Centre, said: "There've been people from Melbourne to Memphis and everywhere in between who have clearly been touched - and even moved to tears - by Matt and Julie's story.

"Matt really is an inspiration and his story underlines how vitally important unpaid carers are and we, along with the rest of the RCOP partners, are committed to offering support."

For support and advice about dementia contact Lanarkshire Dementia Resource Centre on 01698 275300 or Alzheimer Scotland's Helpline on 0808 808 3000.

caroline.wilson@eveningtimes.co.uk