Better late than never: Valentine treat for Liverpool carer

Celebrating Valentines Day is not always possible when you are a carer, but thanks to The Princess Royal Trust Liverpool Carers Centre and Malmaison Liverpool, Maureen and John Keeley from Calderstones, Liverpool will be able to enjoy a romantic night away from their caring responsibilities.

Maureen has cared for her daughter Catherine, who has had two brain tumours and suffers from bi polar disorder, for over 36 years. This allows little time or opportunity to enjoy a break from her caring role.

Maureen is one of over 3,000 carers who access a range of services at The Princess Royal Trust Liverpool Carers Centre, Local Solutions, Hall Lane which is the first facility of its kind in the city dedicated to supporting unpaid carers and improving their health and wellbeing.

Although too late for a Valentines treat, Mr and Mrs Keeley will be the first of many carers to benefit from a three month pilot project launched on the 24 February by the Liverpool Carers Centre, a network member of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers.

The concept of free respite for carers was discussed during a recent visit to the centre by HRH Princess Anne, President of The Princess Royal Trust for Carers in a bid to end the feeling of isolation for the thousands of carers across the city.

The Princess Royal Trust Liverpool Carers Centre is delighted to work in partnership with Malmaison Liverpool, who are supporting this invaluable initiative by offering a complimentary room and breakfast for carers.

Malmaison Liverpool’s General Manager, Mark James said: "The Princess Royal Trust Liverpool Carers Centre’s respite initiative is something that really caught our imagination. Malmaison is very proud to partner this new scheme. It is an opportunity for us to be involved and help to give something back to those that give so much of themselves. Local community work is something Malmaison feel very passionately about. Liverpool has been good to us we are keen to give a little back."