A WOMAN who once ended up walking the streets to get away from her ailing mother has stepped in to rescue the local branch of the Carers Association.

Wendie Fitzpatrick moved to Leyland where the group was about to close because there was no one to run it.

She took on the job as chairperson in a desperate move to continue the lifeline for carers who can find themselves completely isolated - as she once was.

Wendie, of Slater Lane, explained: "I was caring for both my parents for five years. When my dad died I promised to look after my mother.

"I cared for her for eight years. I had no respite, nowhere to turn for help. and was completely alone."

After three years without a break, Wendie's doctor eventually put her on emergency respite.

"It's a very thankless job," she said: "I didn't know what help was available. I went to a carers' meeting at Ormskirk and was so forlorn because I thought no one cared about me.

"I wouldn't go home that night. I ended up walking the streets and in a homeless shelter where I was told I was important. It was the first time anyone had listened or told me that.

Wendie added: "I loved my mother but she needed a break from me as much as I needed one from her.

"Carers get nothing these days. Doctors can no longer send them for emergency respite like I had. That's now in the hands of the social services and can take time.

"We need awareness of the carers' needs and a hotel that will give a room for the night to just have a bath in peace."

Contact the carers' support-line on 01254-853480.

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