24 hours: carers portraits

Here are some snapshots of a few of the portraits that will be on display in the 24 hours exhibition.

© Hannah Hills, 2007Christine and John

"John has a degenerative neurological condition which is destroying the ability of his brain to send signals to make the rest of his body function.

I gave up my job to look after him and Mat (the dog) is a carer too. While there is a lack of freedom, I do have time for all my hobbies now and we lead an idyllic existence in our house by the loch."

© Hannah Hills, 2007Lesley and Darcy

"Darcy has severe autism with associated learning difficulties, but attending a mainstream school has been very good for her as she has lots of role models", says Lesley.

"Our main difficulty with Darcy is her lack of speech, although we are now using Signalong to help us communicate, which makes it easier for her to let us know what she wants."

© Hannah Hills, 2007Aileen and Dillon

"Dillon was born with hydrocephalus, which means he has severe learning disability and no speech. There needs to be recognition of
carers and the impact on one’s life. People don’t see the real picture of what we experience.

"The carers’ centre is my lifeline and main contact for every kind of help. It’s also a place where I can let off steam."

© Hannah Hills, 2007Morag and Lewis

"If you passed Lewis in the street you wouldn’t know he is autistic, but his communication, understanding and learning are poor.

I am privileged to be able to look after my son – nobody knows him better then me and if he wasn’t autistic then he wouldn’t be Lewis."