Britt's story

Britt cared for her Oma (grandmother) until she passed away earlier this year. Britt’s Oma had multiple mini strokes leading to her loss of mobility and independence.

“I cooked and cleaned, I bathed her, I supported her and kept her safe. She helped bring me up at the start of my life: it’s only right I cared for her at the end.

“But no one knew how hard it was, working full-time, coping with my own mental health, and putting someone else’s needs above my own. Lack of sleep, physically and mentally exhausted, literally keeping someone else alive. My love for her grew but caring takes its toll and has changed me forever, both scarring me and making me stronger.

“The lack of support and recognition throughout my time as carer made it so much harder, I had so much to do for another person as well as keeping myself going, all whilst knowing this journey only ends in loss.

“Carers are a silent army, going unnoticed and unsupported. We don’t all have a choice in how our caring journey goes but we can choose to make a difference even if it’s one life at a time. Oma was luckily very loved, and we supported each other as a family but I know many others do not have this privilege.

“My Oma passed away February 2025 now I am completely lost without her; if I’m not a carer, I’m not sure who I am.”

Britt and her grandmother