Caring Sandra’s brotherly love

When Sandra Cross’s grief stricken brother began to suffer health problems following the sudden death of his wife, and later his daughter, she didn’t hesitate to offer to care for him.

Roy Stocker (78) lost the powerofhisspeechandability to write, and his mobility was affected too as he began falling backwards after his wife Jo died within two months of being diagnosed with cancer inJuly2013. HisdaughterJane (48), who cared for him initially, died of cancer too this July, leaving Roy all alone and struggling to cope.

Sandra (74), who has a heart problem herself and cares for husband John (78), who suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD), immediately suggested that he could stay with them in their static home in Eye for a break, even though space is tight.

That was two months ago - and Roy has stayed there ever since. He now plans to move from his home in Spalding and live next door to his kind hearted sister, knowing this will give them both peace of mind that she will still be able to care for him.

Sandra admits that sometimes shefeels exhausted, but plays it down, saying: “You have got to get ontopofit. Had the situation been reversed, I know Jo would have done the same for us.”

She helps her brother wash, provides his medication, and, in Roy’s own words, “looksaftermelikeababy.” He also has a hiatus hernia near the heart, as well suffering from ulcerated colitis.

Sandra contacted Carers Trust Peterborough for support following a recommendation from their son, Calvin, and his wife Karen who knew about their work supporting family carers.

Shesaid:“WhenRoycame to live withus, Calvin said that Carers Trust Peterborough could help ustoo. Theytold us how they had been to Thorpe Hall andwerevery impressed with what they saw.

“Christine Nicholls, their Care Manager, came to visit, she came to see us three

From left to right, Roy Stocker, Sandra and John Cross.