Remember the child carers

I would like to dedicate this image to the child carers, the silent heroes.

Last night our national broadcaster RTE ran a very moving documentary about the children who end up looking after their sick parent/s. It focused on three children and their mother's who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis.

The state does not recognise them as carers until they reach the age of 18, offering no financial assistance until then.

Sadly these children have had to abandon their childhood and become responsible too early, balancing education and their role as carer. It was heartbreaking to listen to the praise and sadness of the sufferer, really hurting for having to put their children through this.

One little boy, Oísin, is only ten years old and what a giant he is. Not only looking after his Mother, he also looks after his sister who has some problems. When he grows up he wants to be a footballer. It was heartwrenching to listen to his worries for his Mum and yet he was so positive.

It deeply moved me as my closest has had to act as a child carer for over seventeen years. It really puts life into perspective.

Please take moment to think of these silent heroes and pass this link on.

Have a lovely day...