A WOMAN who lost her husband to a rare form of Parkinson’s Disease is urging people to back the charity which supported her.
Patricia Griffin became a full-time carer when her husband Brian was diagnosed with multisystem atrophy in 1999.
After eight years he was admitted to a local nursing home and it was whilst visiting him she saw leaflets and talked to another carer who suggested she contact support organisation called Carers Careline.
From there Mrs Griffin enjoyed group meetings with guest speakers, outings and meals, telephone support and counselling sessions, so much so she now helps out with the charity today.
Although Brian passed away in 2009, the organisations till provided ongoing support to help her through the grieving process.
She said: “Having my family and friends around me was both supportive, and very helpful when I needed someone to talk to.
“But sometimes you feel as though you are overburdening your loved ones who are also feeling the strain, and it was a relief to know that there was someone independent at Carers Careline with whom I could share my worries and concerns, without always bothering my family and friends.”
She is now encouraging people to vote for the organisation as part of the Lloyds Community Fund where charities and groups can receive £3,000, £2,000, £1,000 or £500.
To vote visit www.carerscareline.co.uk or Lloyds bank on Church Green East.
