| Claire's Call to other Carers |
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CARER Claire Wilkins is appealing for soulmates as she battles the double isolation of young children and a chronically ill husband. Mrs Wilkins, 35, and her husband Tim, 42, from Stroud, had always planned for her to be a stay-at-home mum.
But that was before the debilitating severity of Mr Wilkins' seemingly minor cycling accident gradually became clear. Now Mrs Wilkins is home based not just while her boys grown up but possibly permanently as full-time carer to her husband.
His fall over the handlebars was caused by black ice as he rode to work in November 2005. It caused a cut above his eyebrow and he left hospital for home in Stonehouse the same day.
Mr Wilkins' health, however, then deteriorated and he now suffers constant, excruciating head pain and was forced long ago to give up work.
Nerve damage, caused by the bike crash when he wasn't wearing a helmet, is to blame. It has led also to chronic pain syndrome.
"There is no cure," said Mrs Wilkins who does the lion's share of raising Toby, nearly six, and Teddie, aged nearly three.
The charity Carers Gloucestershire has proved supportive of her situation, she said.
Mrs Wilkins would like to meet other carers with young children in tow.
"Having the boys is wonderful but they do mean I can't just go out or to a support group," she said.
"When he had the accident we had to come on benefits which wasn't to our delight.
"Tim now has a mobility scooter and we have a tele-care system so I can be contacted if he is alone.
"But I would like to get in touch with other carers with young children to form an informal little support group," she said.
Carers Gloucestershire said they'd be happy to put other carers in a similar position to Mrs Wilkins in touch with her.
The charity can be contacted on 01452 386 283.
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