Marlborough’s MP Claire Perry, who has has teamed up with TV presenter Angela Rippon to support this year’s Carers Week (13-19 June), has paid her own tribute to the contribution made by local people who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.
The theme for Carers Week 2011, The True Face of Carers, calls for greater recognition for the diverse range of people nationally who have caring responsibilities. The work they carry out is vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.
Claire and Angela have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support for the demanding roles they play.
“Thousands of people in the Devizes constituency sacrifice not only their time, but also their money and their health in order to care for a loved one,” Claire told Marlborough News Online.
“Together they save this country an incredible £119 billion every year. They deserve to be recognised for their contribution to both our local community and to wider society.”
“I am taking part in Carers Week to show my respect and appreciation for our carers. I also want to let them know that there are services out there to help them. Caring can be so incredibly demanding. It’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”
Other celebrities supporting this campaign include Dame Judi Dench, Sir David Jason, Jack Charlton and former TV presenter Martyn Lewis.