He is the first thing I think about when I wake ... I pray he doesn’t have any symptoms that day
Provost shares her anguish over son – and message of support for other families of vital frontline workers
Provost Lorraine Cameron has revealed she prays every day that her paramedic son is safe as he works to save lives during the coronavirus crisis.
The Paisley Southwest councillor says she is wracked with worry and anxiety - like many families of frontline workers - as her boy Ryan, 37, goes to work.
Lorraine, who has been delivering essential supplies to elderly or ‘shielding’ constituents, said taking the situation one day at a time is the only way to deal with it.
She told the Express: “I believe I speak for everyone else who has a child or loved one on the frontline right now, and I feel very worried.
“It is a very anxious time for everyone experiencing this lockdown, and this is added pressure.
“I think all the time about the risks his job has, and the potential impact on my daughter-in-law and grandsons.
“He is the first thing I think about when I wake in the morning and I pray that he doesn’t have any symptoms that day.
“One day at a time is how I’m dealing with it. I couldn’t cope any other way, I would go out of my mind with worry.”
Army Reservist Ryan, who lives in Glenburn, is staying in a hotel between shifts in a bid to protect his family.
He goes days without seeing his wife Lauren and his two sons.
Lorraine added: “I know Ryan and his colleagues are well prepared and trained to handle the challenges they face.
“He loves his job, but is realistic and, in order to protect his family as much as he can, he is staying in a hotel during his shifts so that he minimises the risk to them.
“This means the long and stressful days he has feel even longer, because he knows he is not getting home to hugs from his family.
“The love of our family is what takes that strain away – makes things feel better, if even for a short while. ”
Lorraine said she knows what other families of frontline workers go through .
She explained: “I am acutely aware of how important his role is during this crisis.
“It is an important role at any time, but, given the severity of this virus, I know that the way those first responders deal with the patient is quite possibly the last memory the family will have of their loved one.
“That is a huge responsibility.
“I’ve always been very proud of my son, but never more so than now.
“If I put the worry to one side for a bit, I can concentrate on the good that he, and every other frontline worker, is doing for our community.
“While we get to stay at home protecting ourselves, they are literally risking their lives every day in the name of the NHS - that precious service that we must protect. At all costs.”
Lorraine reached out to other families in the same position to offer her support.
She added: “I would like to take this opportunity to send a message to other mothers and family members in the same position as me. I truly know what you are going through.
“I know the worry and concern that is consuming you and that is perfectly normal.
“We are very proud, but being proud doesn’t mean we aren’t allowed to cry when it all becomes a wee bit too much.
“When this is over we need to use these feelings of anxiety and worry we have now in order to act to make sure frontline staff never forget how much they are always needed and appreciated – not just during a crisis.”