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"I'm Alex and I'm a 21 year old student from Preston. I'm also a carer for my fiancé Sarah, who has Cystic Fibrosis. Me and Sarah live together in Bristol where I'm studying law at the University of the West of England.
In order for me to provide round the clock care for Sarah, without the need for her to be in hospital, I had to complete medical training on Cystic Fibrosis. A typical day starts at 8am when I'll get up and do some housework and general chores around the flat. I also have to check that Sarah is breathing and that her oxygen machine is still on. Some days I administer IV antibiotics. The rest of the day is then dependent on how well Sarah is. I may have lectures or seminars to attend but if Sarah is very poorly she will need more looking after and I need to be there, fetching a sick bowl when she needs one or rushing her to the bathroom. On those days my studies have to take a back seat.
As a full time carer I tried to claim Carer's Allowance but the rules say I cannot study and be a carer, so I was refused the benefit. I appealed against the decision and ended up taking the case to a tribunal. Unfortunately I didn't win but that won't stop me campaigning to get this rule changed.
I think the social security system for carers is a mess and there is so much more the Government needs to do for carers. In November 2008 I was elected on to Carers UK’s Board of Trustees as the youngest ever Trustee. This is because I believe passionately that there is strength in numbers and as carers we need to push harder and campaign for the things that will make a difference to our lives."
End Carer Poverty
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