Abbots Langley carer raises awareness for Meningitis charity

[chenrezig]

A woman in Abbots Langley is showing support for charity Meningitis Now to raise awareness of the challenges carers like herself face and the long-term impact of the disease.

Sian Turnbull, 31, of Manor House Gardens, cares for her son Jay, who contracted meningitis at 16-months-old in 2004, and although at times caring for him can be very challenging, she says she would never change him for the world.

Jay is now 12-years-old.

She said: "At times it can be very challenging. He has suffered many after-effects, including visual impairment and learning difficulties.

"Being a carer is 24-7 and people don’t always realise the impact it can have on your life. But knowing I’m helping someone can be extremely rewarding.

"Jay and I have a very special bond. When times are tough for Jay it's extremely hard work but I'm all he has so I have to be strong. He fought to stay alive and I will fight always to give him the very best I can."

Meningitis Now founder Steve Dayman MBE, who launched the UK’s meningitis movement after losing his son Spencer to the disease in 1982, said: "Carers don’t get enough recognition for their contribution to families and communities. I meet many people living with after-effects every day, and the impact is felt by everyone around them.

"We offer a range of free services to provide emotional support to carers and sufferers, including counselling, home visits and one-to-one support. As the financial impact can also be huge, we offer grants covering anything from specialist equipment to respite care.

"Carers enrich the lives of those who have suffered and I thank them for everything they do."



http://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/news/13332898._/

[annie]

tha22222

[wendy]

some great people in the world.