Bev, one of our amazing volunteers, was nominated for the Lancashire Evening Post Carer of the Year Award by Adult Carers’ Support Worker, Carla. She was shortlisted as one of the 3 finalists and invited to attend the prestigious Awards Ceremony on Thursday 26th September at the Villa in Wrea Green, where the winners were announced. Bev, who cares for her 33 year old son, Brad, who has a diagnosis of schizophrenia, was absolutely thrilled to be chosen as the winner of the Carer/Caring Team of the Year Award during the evening.
Bev began caring for Brad when he returned from the music academy in London. At the time she was living and caring for her own mother as she was suffering from terminal cancer. After her mum passed away she then had to concentrate her time on caring for Brad as he had just been diagnosed with schizophrenia. She experienced very hard times with him as he suffered from extreme paranoia. Her husband couldn’t cope so he took a job in Tenerife and her daughter followed him out there but then she was diagnosed with kidney disease and eventually had to return home due to ill health. Bev then had to deal with the worst stage of Brad’s illness and at the same time the distress of her daughter going through kidney failure.
Around this time Brad was admitted to Parkwood Psychiatric hospital which meant she had some very lonely times coping with the situation. As time has passed, she has had to battle with mental health services to get the right support for her son and his medication has now helped him cope more with his illness, however he still lives his life as a recluse and does not lead the life of your average 33 year old.
Bev worries about her son’s future and what will happen to him if she isn’t around to support him. She has had two heart operations and a stroke due to the stress in her caring role.
Carla says: “I nominated Bev for this carer award as she one of the most selfless, kind and caring people I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She continues to give her everything to everyone around her including spending time volunteering here at Beaverbrooks House, and works tirelessly for her loved ones. She deserves all the awards in the world!”.
Congratulations Bev, you are an absolute inspiration and a wonderful volunteer, we’d be lost without you!