“Everywhere we go, someone would buy Des a drink and ask him to tell one of his stories”
Kim and Des
Some of you reading this will know the name Des Morrison. He’s a local legend in Bedford!
We met Des and his partner Kim, who moved into Gordon Colling House, an Independent Living Plus Care scheme in Bedford a few months ago.
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From childhood to today in Bedford
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s Des was a professional boxer, winning the British Boxing board of Control Southern Area welterweight, British Boxing Board of Control light welterweight and the Commonwealth Light welterweight titles.
Des is living with dementia, and Kim has been capturing Des’ stories and achievements to help him to remember and to make sure others get to enjoy them too. When you arrive at Gordon Colling House, the first thing you see is a display with a photo of Des (see right) wearing one of his title belts. “That photograph is very popular! It’s a bit of a hit with the ladies”, Kim says.
Des and Kim have lived in and around Bedford their whole lives, including many years at Beckett Court in the town centre. They’ve been together for 22 years, meeting through Kim’s brother.
Des came to Bedford from Jamaica in 1960 when he was 10 years old to join his parents. He went to Goldington Road School where he was friends with fellow boxer Joe Bugner, who went on to be a three-times European heavyweight champion, among other titles. They may have been encouraged by their teacher who created a boxing ring when the weather was too wet for the pupils to play outside. By the age of 12 Des was Bedfordshire School Boys Champion and he turned pro in 1969, winning 36 of 50 fights during his career.
Kim: “After school, Des was a diesel engineer apprentice for WH Allen and worked on the first British nuclear submarine – Dreadnaught, working while studying. Kim said: Des’ grandmother said - you can’t do two things at once, he replied, “I’ll do three!” and he continued boxing too.”
Once retired, Des went onto train boys at Bedford Amateur Boxing Club and in Marston Moretaine – where he still visits as often as possible. Kim was a novelty cake maker: “I did that until I has some health issues. When I had a stroke later, it affected me down one side and it was Des who taught me to walk again. He’s the kindest man and would help anyone, it’s why I’m determined to look after him now.”
Des wearing one of his title belts.
Des with Sugar Ray Leonard
Life at Gordon Colling House
The couple’s family were Bedford-based too. Kim: “Des’ parents lived on the third floor at Gordon Colling House while my Mum lived on the second floor, so it’s a special place to us. Des’ Mum, Ruby, was the life and soul of the place, so there are a lot of people living here who knew her and now look out for us – and they absolutely love Des!
“When Des’ dementia progressed and I had my own health challenges, I knew Gordon Colling House was where I wanted to live. We knew the building, the residents and the great standard of care we’d get.”
One of the first things Kim did after moving in, was create a display of Des’ trophies, photos and boxing memorabilia. Among the framed certificates is a photo of Des with Sugar Ray Leonard, who is thought of as one of the greatest boxers of all time. It’s in a room with a comfy chair where Des can look at the display and listen to his beloved music collection, with Bob Marley and UB40 his favourites.
“Copies of the memorabilia are on display at Bedford Museum, it was only meant to be there for three months, but they’ve kept it up”, says Kim. “Des’ stories are great, so it‘s important to keep telling them. Like the time he was boxing in France and the crowd started throwing money into the ring. Des asked his manager why – he said: ‘appreciation my boy!’. He also once met the King of Nigeria and his six wives, he even sat on the throne! Being Des, he asked the King if the wives argue a lot…someone asked me if I get tired of hearing the same stories and I told them – never!”
Gordon Colling House
Life at Gordon Colling House
“We love being at Gordon Colling House – the people are lovely, it’s like having an extended family. We were always very sociable – although it’s harder to get out now, there are two coffee mornings a week here, a musician came in a couple of weeks ago to play guitar and there was a dance too, which was really good.
“The staff treat Des really well – and I can enjoy peace of mind for both of us. The strokes I’ve had mean I sometimes have a seizure, but I have an alarm to press that gets me help straight away. Life isn’t always easy, but we have each other, family and friends.
“When Ruby passed away, the residents planted a rose in the garden. I’m enjoying looking after it, it’s been beautiful this year. I’m going to plant a rose for my Mum too soon, I already feel close to her just being here. I’m doing more and more in the garden to make it nice for other residents and it’s a good way to help my own mental health while caring for Des.
“We also go shopping and for walks – I can’t keep up with Des when he’s in the park, mind you – he did climb Snowdon with a metal hip!”
Meeting Des and Kim was a pleasure. We had the privilege of going through his scrap book and seeing his boxing gloves while sitting in the room Kim has created. While she champions Des’ history and makes sure he holds his place in Bedford’s history, it’s clear that their love and support for each other is the most enduring story.