Michael is a full-time, unpaid carer for this partner who has Multiple Sclerosis. His care role is very constant and very demanding. Michael manages all of his partner’s medication, taking her to and from appointments whilst maneuvering the mobility scooter in and out of the car, getting up throughout the night after any accidents she may have, all the cleaning and cooking, constant supervision to ensure she is safe at all times including personal care, whilst undergoing health problems of his own. Michael has an over-extended posterior cruciate ligament, causing him pain and discomfort at all times. Not only does he care for his partner, but he also has a caring role for her mother too; providing help around the house, taking her to and from appointments and general support. Amongst all of these physical roles that Michael undergoes, there is also the constant emotional support that he provides. The only respite that Michael gets is working on his YouTube channel – uploading and editing videos of his gameplay amongst live streaming with and without other YouTubers. With several ideas and plans for more videos and series, Michael wants to achieve these goals by converting a shed into a studio for this work. At present, during the small amount of time that Michael has available to work on these ideas, there are further limitations; everything is set up in the living room, meaning use of the living room for others is not an option. That, amongst the time consumed with setting everything up and packing everything away again causes further struggles for Michael in the limited free-time he has available. Without financial help, this idea would not be possible.

Looking after a loved one can be both physically and mentally exhausting. By having some time away from your caring duties, studies have shown that this can have an increase in overall happiness, healthiness and therefore more able to deal with the demands of caring. Unpaid carers save the UK approximately £132 billion a year – that’s the cost of a second NHS. We’re asking for any contributions that can be made in order to make the world of difference to this man’s life. Allowing him the time to unwind, to take himself away from his demanding caring role and give him the opportunity to focus on something positive for him.