Juggling study while caring for mum and sister

Student praised at awards for carers

A Brunel University student was among 48 unpaid carers in the borough praised by Hillingdon Council, for their compassion and hard work.

Ahmed Siddiqui, who was nominated in the Young Adult Carer aged 18 to 25 category, as he cares for both his sister and his mum, Humaira, whilst studying for his degree.

Humaira says the whole family cannot imagine surviving without his help, “It’s like he holds us all together”, she said.

Ahmed has his own health concerns but despite this he has been involved with Hillingdon Youth Council and was an Olympic 2012 Games Maker.

Humaira added: “I haven’t been able to give him much these past years since my illness but I would very much like for him to know my appreciation through this award.”

Hillingdon staged the Tuesday Council event on May 10 recognising the time, energy, skills, compassion and hard work of the borough’s unpaid carers.

The Mayor of Hillingdon at the time, Cllr George Cooper, opened the event at Uxbridge Civic Centre, commending those who attended.

Hillingdon Council leader, Cllr Ray Puddifoot, said: “It’s likely that every one of us will have a caring responsibility at some time in our lives, with the challenges faced by carers taking many forms.

“Many carers don’t see themselves as carers and juggle their caring responsibilities with work, study and other family commitments.

“We want to enable our residents to recognise and identify their role as a carer, so they know where to access support.

“We extend our thanks and admiration to all our carers, those who are known to us and those that aren’t.

“We are confident that through the Carers’ Strategy and projects such as this recognition scheme, we will continue to bring improvements to the health and wellbeing of all carers living and caring in the London Borough of Hillingdon.”

Cllr Philip Corthorne, cabinet member for social services, health and housing, Cllr David Simmonds, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for education and children’s services and Cllr Becky Haggar, carers’ champion, read short biographies explaining the work of the 48 nominees as they came to the front of the room to receive their certificates and a yellow gerbera flower.

Those in the younger categories, five to 17 and 18 to 25, were all presented with £30 Chimes vouchers and chocolates, sponsored by Lloyd’s Bank. the right

It’s like he holds us all together, I would very much like him to know my appreciation