Celebrity supporters surprise hardworking local carers with a mini break for two as part of Carers Week
Published 15 June 2010
It's Carers Week (Monday 14 June – Sunday 20 June), and to recognise the unerring commitment of family carers nationwide, five carers across the country have been presented with a mini break.
At Gatwick Elaine Butlin had a double surprise when she met actress Sally Lindsay, who presented her with a mini break to Edinburgh courtesy of easyJet and KPMG, as a thank you for caring for her parents.
Elaine (50), from Lewes cares for her parents, who are both 78. Elaine's father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease about four years ago, and her mother has mental health issues.
Wilma McMurray met BBC Newsline presenter Sarah Travers, who presented her with a mini break to Edinburgh as a thank you for caring for her husband.
Wi
lma, (67) from Burnside, Doagh, cares for her husband Jim, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and bowel cancer at the age of 56. Wilma cared for Jim in their home for 10 years. But his condition gradually deteriorated, and for the last three years he has been cared for at the Holywell Hospital.
Wilma said:
'I was really excited to meet Sarah, and delighted to receive the mini-break. Jim and I have been married for 47 years. I love him and am always there for him, but caring can be very tiring so it will be lovely to go away for a little while.'
Alzheimer's Society in Newcastle presented local carer Becky Smith with a European mini break. Becky, aged 66, cares for her husband Davey at home in Byker. Davey, aged 74, was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia in April 2008.
Becky was presented with a pair of return flights to any destination in Europe courtesy of easyJet. Professional services firm KPMG is providing a two-night hotel stay in Becky's choice of Holiday Inn hotel, courtesy of InterContinental Hotels Group.
Holidaymakers can support Alzheimer's Society this summer by donating their loose
change on easyJet flights from July to September 5.
Alzheimer's Society relies on the generosity of people like easyJet and KPMG staff and customers to support people to live well with dementia today and find a cure for tomorrow.
