With national Carers Week 2019 coming up from 10-16 June, one Eastbourne-based family has taken on a major physical challenge to help raise awareness of the 66,000+ unpaid carers of family and friends in East Sussex.
final stretch jo walkFreya cliff
Jo Egan completed the 100 Mile South Downs Way walk in just five consecutive days, in aid of unpaid carers, raising a whopping £2477 so far. Alongside her partner Tim Caceres, Jo trekked the route from Winchester to Eastbourne to fundraise for Care for the Carers, which helps and represents unpaid carers across East Sussex. The couple were joined for the final day’s walk by Jo’s son Tom (12) who attends Ratton School, and daughter Freya (9) pictured above, a pupil at Tollgate Junior School.
“We’ve been truly humbled to have such wonderful support from friends, family, and members of the public, and raising so much for Care for the Carers. A huge thank you for every pep talk, message of support, and penny donated,” says Jo.
“The whole experience has been amazing – the highs and lows, the stunning scenery, how surprisingly well our bodies held up (although our feet are not looking pretty right now!), and the generosity of all our supporters,” Jo said, speaking on Bank Holiday Monday 27 May, the final day of the walk.
Tom and Freya have also helped to fundraise for the cause, creating promotional and awareness raising videos for Care for the Carers to share on its social media channels, including impressions of Ray Mears, and re-enacting scenes from The Greatest Showman!
Understanding what life is like as a carer
Jo, who has worked at Care for the Carers since 2016, was inspired to work with carers following her experience during her teenage years of caring for her mum, who had mental and physical health problems. Jo says “The challenges faced by carers we speak to every day – they come to us isolated, unsupported, at breaking point and not knowing where to turn. Care for the Carers’ 30th anniversary year felt like a fitting time for me to take on a personal challenge to do my bit in changing that picture – trying to move us closer to a time when no one is left to care alone.”
Want to help carers in your community? Get involved with Carers Week 2019 in East Sussex, 10-16 June – there are loads of events going on throughout the county, including an information stand at The Beacon in Eastbourne on Friday 14 June, and special offers for carers from local businesses during the week: www.cftc.org.uk/blog/carers-week
Care for the Carers is the Carers Centre for East Sussex and an independent charity supporting unpaid carers across the county. The charity provides free practical and emotional advice and a range of services such as counselling, support groups and training. www.cftc.org.uk. Call 01323 738390 or email info@cftc.org.uk
