Letter to Editor:- "Don't forget North West young carers"
Photograph with thanks to Barnardo's.

"THE challenges of the past 2 years have highlighted the incredible caring spirit of our Region. We know that for families who have young people with caring responsibilities and might have needed to shield during the Pandemic, the pressures have greatly increased. Through Barnardo's Young Carers' services run across the North West we help to reduce the burden of caring on children, by giving them opportunities to take a break and enjoy their childhood, but we know there are many more young carers out there who we are sadly not reaching. Research estimates there are more than 800,000 young carers in the UK and recent figures show that 180,000 children in England who care for an ill or disabled relative are missing out on support because they are unknown to their Local Authority. At Barnardo's we are particularly concerned the Government's proposed health reforms could have the unintended consequences of weakening protections for young carers. Adults with extremely complex health and care needs are already being discharged from hospital into the care of children. This is only set to get worse if the changes in the Health and Care Bill come into effect. Caring for loved ones is something that many young carers are incredibly proud to do, but children must never be expected to shoulder the burden of care for their family members on their own. As a society we must protect children from taking on too much responsibility at a young age, and from sacrificing their education, or physical and mental health. Parliament must recognise the needs of children in the Health and Care Bill and ensure young carers can be identified by healthcare professionals and supported by local authorities." Lynn Perry MBE, Interim Co-CEO at Barnardo's.

A courageous Mum of 4 who is:- "petrified of heights and hates flying" is determined to conquer her fears by leaping from an aircraft at 15,000ft!

MUM of 4, Karen Royle, is asking people to donate to her fundraising challenge as she prepares for her tandem skydive at the Black Knights Parachute Centre, at Cockerham, Lancaster, on Sunday, 13 March 2022, the day of her 59th Birthday. While she is anxious about her skydive, Karen says it is nowhere near as terrifying as it is for domestic abuse sufferers to walk away from abusive relationships with nothing. Karen is originally from Manchester, but moved to Southport 19 years ago.

She said:- "I'm doing the skydive for domestic refuge, hoping to raise ₤500. I've spent time in a refuge myself with my four kids, years ago, so this is something very close to me. I have a JustGiving page where people can donate, while Total Timber on Stephenson Way in Formby also has a collection box going. I'm doing a skydive for a refuge which helps people fleeing from domestic violence. This is very close to my heart and I would appreciate any support! I am raising awareness for domestic abuse by doing a skydive. I am petrified of heights, and I hate flying. Any donation is very much appreciated!"

For 5ft 1ins Karen, throwing herself from an aircraft at 15,000ft is going to be a daunting challenge. She said:- "I work as a cleaner and I go dizzy climbing ladders! I hate flying as well. I decided on a skydive because I wanted to do something that would push me. Imagine walking out of a relationship or a marriage with absolutely nothing; it must be the scariest thing in the world, as I know from experience. So I chose a skydive because to me that is the scariest thing I could think of and it's about jumping, taking that leap of faith. I'm not dreading it at the moment, but I'm sure at the beginning of March, then my stomach will start playing havoc. I'm only five foot one inch tall and I'm absolutely petrified! I'm originally from Manchester and moved to Southport about 19 years ago. My daughter, who is profoundly deaf, went to the Birkdale School for the Hearing Impaired. I started work as a cleaner and I now live in Formby where I still work as a cleaner. At Christmas 2020 along with another lady we made up 20 hampers that were then donated to people in need. This year I have decided to do a skydive to raise money for charity. This is a really personal thing to me."

To donate to Karen Royle's fundraiser please visit her JustGiving page Skydive For #TeamRefuge in 2022.