Carers face up to challenges

CARERS in North Lincolnshire have spoken about the day-to-day challenges they face in coping with sick relatives.

Carers throughout our region have told of the strength needed to look after a loved one who needs help as part of Carers' Week.

A number of events are taking place across North Lincolnshire aimed at highlighting the good work done by those helping others.

And carers have spoken of the work they do every day to look after other people.

Lesley Whiteley-Alderton cares for her husband Stuart, who has multiple sclerosis (MS) and is registered blind.

Mr Whiteley-Alderton, 68, was diagnosed with secondary progressive MS 18 years ago - and also battles neurological disorders that affect balance, coordination and speech.

Mrs Alderton from Hempdyke Road in Scunthorpe has been looking after her husband, who is an ex-policeman, for several years - while also raising five children.

The 61-year-old said she was forced to quit her job to look after her husband.

She said: "I was working for a DIY firm and I asked if I could do part-time - a few hours an evening.

"But they wanted me to come in on Saturdays and do more hours, so I realised it was not going to work.

"I did not have a clue at the time what to claim.

"It took a year for him to be diagnosed - that was very traumatic."

Mrs Alderton herself has spinal problems, which makes life difficult for both of them.

She has been seeing a chiropractor for a number of years.

Another carer who knows the difficulties faced when caring for a loved one is Greta Robinson.

Mrs Robinson, 79, cares for her son Michael, 55, who has epilepsy and learning disabilities. She also cared for her husband, who had Parkinson's Disease and died two years ago.

Mrs Robinson said Michael was around nine months old when he developed epilepsy.

She said: "He was born with a tumour which he had to have removed. Then the fits started. He is brilliant at things like reading and writing, but he cannot do things like maths - he is quite slow at things."

She said she had given up a lot for Michael.

"There are people out there who would not know how to handle him in public if he started to have a fit," she said.

"My husband used to say that Michael couldn't do things, but since he has died, Michael has proven that he can."

Mrs Robinson said the Carers Support Centre in Brigg had been a massive help to her.

She said: "I started going to the centre four years ago.

"Since I have gone there, my life has been turned around.

"They have been brilliant."

Read more: http://www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/Carers-face-challenges/story-19282786-detail/story.html#ixzz2XGAOlfSf
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