Local MP, Iain Wright has teamed up with renowned actor, Sir David Jason OBE, to support this year’s Carers Week (14-20 June) and celebrate the contribution made by those people in Hartlepool and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is frail, ill or disabled.

The theme for Carers Week 2010 is ‘A life of my own’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities. In doing so, many are sacrificing their own lives, unable to do the little things that most of us take for granted. All too often, these unsung heroes are also sacrificing their own health, both physical and mental.

Iain Wright MP and Sir David Jason have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles.

Iain Wright said

“Whether the chance to have a long bath or a full night’s sleep – these are luxuries for many of the thousands of carers in Hartlepool. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make to their loved ones, to our local community and to society at large.
“I am supporting Carers Week and want to express my respect and gratitude to all our carers. I want to ensure that those who feel isolated or lonely because of caring learn about the services and support out there to help them. To all carers in Hartlepool, I want you to know, you don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Sir David Jason, who has personal experience of being a carer, said

“A lot of people, including myself, have had to look after someone at a time of illness or infirmity. However, the people who really deserve our support and encouragement are those carers, young and old, who are in this situation day in day out, caring for someone who truly depends on them. With little respite, this must surely be a very demanding lifestyle and I acknowledge the sacrifices they make and the limitations which are place upon them. Thank goodness they care.”

Other celebrities supporting Carers Week, all whom have experience of caring, include Lynda Bellingham, Cilla Black, Jonathan Dimbleby, Gloria Hunniford, Claire King, Miriam Margolyes and Angela Rippon.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 7 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Care, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, Parkinson’s UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.