Amy’s story

Caregiving is a life lived on a tightrope.

There comes a moment when caregiving changes from helping someone you love, to carrying the weight of their entire life. Every decision, every need, every challenge becomes yours to bear.

For five years, I cared for my husband after Parkinson’s and dementia took hold. I gave Matt everything I could – physically, emotionally and mentally until I was virtually and literally on my knees. The exhaustion was relentless, the fear of failure unbearable. Had I collapsed he would have been left without his most reliable support.

I was Matt’s nurse, doctor, pharmacist, and advocate all at once. Night-times became an extension of the daily agenda – and a person can only take so many nights of lost sleep.

Caregiving is a life lived on a tightrope, balancing love and care while your own health, happiness and identity have to go on hold.

Every day, unpaid carers across Richmond dedicate their time, energy and love to support family members, friends, and neighbours in need – often without recognition or support. With your help, we can fund more support for the thousands of unpaid carers in our local area. See how you can help.

*Some names have been changed