I will be taking part in the Hyrox Women’s Doubles in London on the 6th of May 2024 with my friend Nadia. In doing so, I will be raising money for Barnardo's Young Adult Carer’s Service, Merseyside.

Barnardo’s Young Adult Carer’s Service, Merseyside were the first and only organisation to support me with my caring role. More specifically, their main project worker, Adele. Whilst I was at the organisation, she was responsible for supporting more than 80 young people on her own - a truly inspirational woman.

I have been a carer for my mum since the age of 16; I’m now 26. However, it was only back in 2021, when I was 23, that I was provided guidance on how to access support; despite my school, GP, college and then university knowing about my caring role for many years.

1 in 5 children or those aged 18-25 are carers.

~50% of YAC have a mental health condition due to their caring role.

~30% of YAC end up dropping out of school due to their caring role.

The responsibility of caring for a parent is immense. It shapes you as a person as you see, think and do things no child should have to.

Throughout my education, my grades would peak and fall according to my mums health. I was predicted to fail my GCSE’s and had frequent visits with the head of my school. The same happened at A-Levels and then at University, throughout both my undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. I only found out that I was able to gain a support plan and bursary for my caring role in my 3rd year. I was then discriminated against during my postgraduate degree due to my caring role.

Young adult carers deserve better. I deserved better. It breaks my heart to think back to all the times I struggled and felt so alone and still do at times.

The point I’m trying to make is that whilst there is support out there, we need more and we need to raise awareness as there are a lot of YAC’s who may not know of support they could be receiving. This is why I would like to take this opportunity to raise awareness and money for Barnardo's Young Adult Carer’s Service, Merseyside.

All money raised will help the service support more YAC’s, increase the quality of care such as, through their support groups and campaign for better support in education for this cohort.

Any donations or reposts to socials would be so appreciated! Let’s raise awareness, together and support all those YAC who need a helping hand.

Thank you ❤️