Tim's story

25th December is like any other day for Tim. It shouldn’t be – that’s what makes it so hard.

Dear Friend

The presents Tim gets this Christmas won’t be a surprise. He bought the wrapping paper and wrapped them himself.

This Christmas morning when other children are waking up to the most exciting day of the year, Tim will open his eyes to another normal day. He won’t rush downstairs to see if Santa has visited, he’ll go and help his mum to wash and dress, make sure his little sister is out of bed and prepare his mum’s medication.

25th December – just another day for Tim

Tim’s mum was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a progressive illness, 2 years ago which means she struggles to walk and gets very depressed. It also means she can’t work. With his dad putting in long hours to support the family, Tim is the only one at home who can take care of his mum – and take on all of her responsibilities. Tim is only 11 years old.

His mum never wanted things to be this way. She’d love to wrap her children’s presents, decorate the tree, and be like other mums, but with her illness and a lack of support she has no choice but to rely on her son.

At The Princess Royal Trust for Carers we believe children like Tim deserve a break from caring. Can you give £10, or whatever you can afford, to help us be there for carers this Christmas?

Tim loves his mum and his family and likes helping them, but sometimes things can get too much – especially at Christmas. It’s at this supposedly magical time that Tim realises he’s not like other boys and girls his age. When most children are playing with their new presents, he’s helping his mum into the bath. When his classmates call round on their new bikes, Tim explains that he’s too busy to go out today. Even though his heart is sinking, Tim puts on a brave face and a big smile so that his mum doesn’t worry. Sometimes the situation makes him feel angry and lonely.

Letting kids be kids

At The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, we help children like Tim to deal with difficult feelings. We also give them time to mess about and be kids for a while. We currently support over 15,000 young carers in the UK, but there are so many more that desperately need us. And with an estimated 13 million more people becoming carers in the next decade, our work is cut out for us. That’s why we desperately need your help.

Your gift of whatever you can afford, could help us fund our young carers projects across the UK, which give kids a chance to talk to a mentor in confidence or to make friends with others in the same boat. It might be something as simple as a trip to the beach or a game of ten-pin bowling, but they love being able to have fun and be silly without feeling guilty about leaving their family member at home.

Online support – a lifeline for carers

Your gift can also keep our websites up and running. At Christmas time this is a lifeline. The sites are available 24 hours a day and give carers a chance to say Happy Christmas and to feel part of a community.

We believe no one should feel alone at Christmas time – I’m sure you feel the same. But, right now, there are so many carers struggling on alone – afraid of asking for help, afraid they might be split up from loved ones. We want them to know we’re here for them. And with your gift we can give them the support they so urgently need.

Every carer’s greatest wish is for their family member to get better, but support, care and a small break is the next best present you can give to someone like Tim this Christmas. Please add The Princess Royal Trust for Carers to your Christmas list if you can.

Thank you and I wish you and your family a Happy Christmas.

Yours sincerely,

Shan Nicholas
Chief Executive

P.S. Because we support carers in so many ways, our need for financial support has never been so great. Please help us continue by donating online today. Thank you.