Siblings reunited after year-long wait for home
SISTER STRUGGLES TO MOVE THEM FROM LONDON TO COUNTY ARE NOW OVER
A NURSE has been reunited with her two disabled siblings after “fighting” to get them an accessible home in Leicestershire.
Claire Hawkins, of Sileby, had applied for an accessible house for her brother and sister in August 2020. After more than a year of waiting, they have finally moved into their home in The Mills, in Quorn.
The 44-year-old had been trying to move her older sister, Michelle, 52, and twin brother Neil, 44, to Leicestershire from London since her mum died suddenly three years ago.
She said: “It’s been bonkers, full on, hectic and overwhelming - but it’s better than having them live 100 miles away.
“There’s been lots of phone calls and trying to set a routine for them, but they’re reunited now and they’re doing so well.
“Bringing them to Leicestershire has always been the plan long-term. There are a lot more opportunities here to make friends and I’m already looking in to several avenues in regards to social events and day centres.”
Due to their housing arrangements, the siblings made the move separately. Neil moved in on October
It’s been full on, hectic and overwhelming - but it’s better than having them live 100 miles away
Claire Hawkins
1 and Michelle on October 11. Miss Hawkins said: “Neil is much happier now he has Michelle back with him and I’m practically here every day. They’re adapting and excited about having their new life.
“I want them to have a proper life. They didn’t in London for various reasons and I want to make that happen for them.”
Claire has been the main carer for her brother and sister since her mum died, making the 260-mile round trip to London every week, which she juggled with caring for her six year-old daughter and working as a vaccination nurse at Loughborough Hospital.
Miss Hawkins said: “I was born in to this responsibility and I’ve been doing this from young age.
“My mother had mental health issues and we had another brother with learning disabilities that passed away three years ago, so I’ve always felt it.
“It’s a bit like having a baby, all the tending to them and making sure they have everything and planning ahead.”
Michelle and Neil have learning difficulties, which means they are unable to read and write, understand the concept of money and budgeting and are only capable of cooking simple meals such as toast or ready meals.
Miss Hawkins said she is “amazed” that the pair are now only 10 minutes away in the car.
She said: “I’m feeling quite overwhelmed and exhausted - but I’m happy that they’re here. It still amazes me that they’re 10 minutes away.
“Every time I leave them I’m like you’ll be all right and then I remember they’re 10 mins down the road instead of three hours. Its a novelty that’s going to remain.”