Teenager praises support she had as father's carer

A woman who became her dad's carer while she was still at primary school said she felt like she had no childhood.

Cat Foster-Phillips, from Worcester, started caring for Jon Foster-Phillips when she was eight years old.

It came after he was diagnosed with emphysema, a form of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester during Carers Week, she said: "It meant I had no childhood growing up because my brain was just worrying constantly about him."

"It brought reality to my eyes as I realised I was in it for the long run and I knew I needed to be mature about this.

"By the age of 10, I was probably as mature as someone who is 16, 17 or even older because you have to make sure the person has all the right medication and support all the time."

Now 18, Ms Foster-Phillips said she looked back on her lack of a childhood as being worth it just to see her dad's happiness.

"It has been quite stressful but it has been so rewarding seeing his happy face because even in the darkest hour that can be your light," she said.

Ms Foster-Phillips said by the age of 10 she felt she was as mature as a 17-year-old

Emphysema causes breathing problems and can eventually reach a stage where it becomes life-threatening, according to the NHS.

Mr Foster-Phillips' daughter said she appreciated every day with him, calling it an "extra bonus".

She said throughout her caring career she had been supported by Worcestershire Young Carers, who contacted her when she was 10 when she visited her GP with stress.

"What they give is unconditional support. They have given me the confidence and that childhood that I lost," Ms Foster-Phillips said.

"They also give you that time out and that break that you need from caring. That little boost is enough morale to carry on."

Carers Week is an annual campaign which aims to raise awareness of caring, highlighting the challenges unpaid carers face.

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