Thanks for taking the time to visit this JustGiving page dedicate to my mum.

I am Ryan Laird, Lorna's son. My mum suddenly passed away on 18th October 2022 following a number of ongoing health issues. She had such a fun and loving character, great sense of humour and had a great smile. I will miss her terribly.

It was always hard for mum after we lost my dad in 2010. For much of her life she suffered from bipolar affective disorder. She got by with a few supportive friends and local services, however from 2015 her physical health took a turn for the worse as she was diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease.

Last year, my mother moved closer to me in Leicestershire so I could better provide for her care needs. We were so glad of the help and support offered by VASL. Their Community Champions project to tackle loneliness in elderly and vulnerable people really cheered mum up after a difficult time to settle in to her new home after many local services still had not restarted due to the pandemic. Their befriending service was absolutely fantastic as a way for her to check in with someone locally and to help integrate her part of a wider community, especially as she could not get out easily by herself. To support with loneliness and isolation, I was happy to see her face light up when she received small sweets and a handmade Christmas card from local school children sent via VASL. The charity also sent mum an Easter Egg. Both times really brought a smile to her face at an otherwise difficult settling in period.

When the VASL Car Scheme restarted, their dedicated volunteer drivers could get mum out and about. She always loved going to get her hair and nails done, and would always feel mentally so much better afterwards.

VASL's Support for Carers also helped me immensely through a very turbulent time managing my mother's health conditions. I was glad of their support groups and telephone calls, which made me feel I wasn't the only one battling health and social care services. It helped give me the confidence to speak out about carer's rights and to be recognised in my caring role. The Carer's Passport Scheme is an absolutely fantastic initiative launched during the pandemic which gives instant recognition that you are a carer. I was happy with the benefits VASL had struck with local cafes for a free hot drink by way of thanks for our support for elderly or vulnerable people.