We want you to help say thanks
of dementia which predominantly affects people aged between 45 and 65.
And, as part of our Big ThankYou campaign, he has good reason to thank Graham.
Last May, Graham, who lives on Gordon Street, Scarborough, started caring for Paul, who still lives independently in his own flat.
Graham, 40, started working a few hours at first, but now cares for Paul full-time, working 30 hours a week over five days.
Prior to becoming a carer, Graham worked at the Rainbow Centre after he answered an appeal for volunteers to help feed children during the summer holidays.
He soon took a position as a client support worker, but after four and a half years, Graham decided it was time to move on.
He saw an advert for a personal support assistant with Eastfield charity NYCIL (North Yorkshire Centre for Independent Living) and just knew he had to apply.
“Paul and I clicked straight away,” he said. “We have the same sense of humour. The same taste in music.
“We blast UB40 in the car and make light of the situation. “
When lockdown began, Graham didn’t see Paul for eight weeks and Paul’s health deteriorated due to spending so much time at home.
“It’s not good for him to be staying in,” he said.
Graham hopes things will improve as lockdown eases and they can once again get out to their favourite places, Sewerby Hall, the Forget-menot train and Scarborough Castle.
Ex-RAF man Paul is also missing meeting other exservicemen at the First Light Cafe and playing Boccia, but Graham says plans are in place
Last week was National Volunteers Week; and this week is national Carers Week. During these difficult times in the pandemic lockdown, we are featuring volunteers and carers who go the extra mile, the selfless unsung heroes who give up their time and energy to support those in need, and who deserve a Big Thank You. Titles in JPIMedia, including The Scarborough News, have shared those stories of resilience and brilliance in our communities.
We want to say a Big Thank You to the army of volunteers, medics, carers and other keyworkers. But we need your help to do this. We are asking you, our readers, to share your pictures and messages to those who have made such a difference to your lives during lockdown. Simply email newsdesk@jpimedia.co.uk to meet in a large garden for coffee soon.
Graham has a regular routine the two follow. After showering and dressing, he plans activities for the pair.
Already this week they have walked from North Bay to the Sea Life Centre, stopped off for coffee, and then driven to South Bay where they walked to the fairy garden on South Cliff.
They also visited Bempton Cliffs to see the puffins. Graham said: “The smile on his face is just amazing.
“I don’t think of it as work, it’s good for me to get out and about. I loved it at the Rainbow Centre.
“I went back at Christmas to help out with food parcels and to help people.”
“It’s more like taking a friend out who needs some help. I don’t see it as a job really, more taking a friend for tea, coffee or cake, but you’ve got to be switched on.”