‘My aunt Gillian is the epitome of selflessness and an inspirational role model to everyone who is lucky enough to know her...’
Nurse who cares for a number of her family members up for top award
A MOTHER-OF-FOUR has been nominated for an award after caring for her husband and two disabled sons - and her niece who has been diagnosed with an incurable brain condition.
Gillian Marren, aged 69, from Baddeley Green, has been nominated in the Family Carer of the Year category at the 2022 Sense Awards for the support she provides to disabled family members. Husband Robert, 73, has diabetes and severe deafness.
And two years ago he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. One of her son’s is in a care home, although she brings him home once a week.
Son Derek has a learning disability and epilepsy, and Stuart has a learning disability, epilepsy and autism. Her other two sons have 10 children between them, so they struggle for time to help out.
Gillian said: “It can be intense. “There’s lot of anxieties and worries, particularly since Robert developed Alzheimer’s.
“I work two days a week at a GP surgery in Blurton and that in itself is a worry because I have to leave him. I make sure he’s had his breakfast and I leave him sandwiches because he can’t remember how to make them.
“I do try to ring him but it doesn’t seem to register. Once he answered and I said it was Gill. He said ‘You can’t speak to Gill, she’s at work.’ That adds to my anxiety because I can’t check on him.
“Robert and I go to church each Sunday. It’s the one thing that we’ve always done for more than 40 years and it’s something he enjoys doing.”
Gillian’s care load has increased as her niece, who nominated her for the award, fell ill.
She said: “My niece, Alexandria, is in her forties. Her mum has died and she hasn’t got a partner so she needs someone to support her as she has tumours on her brain and needs help with understanding hospital letters.
“She’s had an operation to drain the fluid but we don’t know why it’s happened at this age.”
She continued: “When I said I had been nominated for an award I said it should be for everyone who is caring for a family member. I’m not completely ready to give up my own life.
“I think being nominated for the award is a great honour but there are lots of other people who are possibly struggling. I just try and take each day as it comes.
“The responsibility of caring for people is not easy but I like to help people and do my best to support them.”
Gillian was nominated by her niece, Alexandria who said: “My aunt is the epitome of selflessness and an inspirational role model to everyone who is lucky enough to know her. Her husband requires 24-hour care which Gillian provides as well as supporting her sons.
“I was diagnosed with an incurable brain condition last year and am currently preparing for my second round of surgery. My aunt, Gill has been there to support me. She truly is an incredible person.”
Sense chief executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Gillian’s incredible love and care for her family is something that should be celebrated.
“She truly deserves to be shortlisted for a Sense Award and we look forward to seeing her be part of the virtual ceremony on November 24.”