The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
This week’s featured nominee for the Selfless Superstar competition is Callum Hawley, who was put forward by his mum Veronica.
She said: “After an unexplained medical event I was diagnosed with a neurological condition that causes muscle rigidity, weakness, robs me of my mobility and can render me unable to speak.
“I nominate Callum because he has had to mature the quickest to become my carer and help take care of his sister as she was a baby when my body failed me.
“He has watched me crawl around the house with useless legs, helped with chores, dinners and calling his dad for emergencies.
“His older brother James helps with chores and doing shopping while maintaining his school workload.
“Their younger sister Leila (6) doesn’t remember me before my disability. She helps clearing the table and dusting the house.
“It has been more difficult for the boys as they remember me before and it has been hard for them to watch me in pain.
“James just couldn’t understand what was happening to me and Callum was often in tears thinking I was going to die.
“We had times I couldn’t get them to school. They would have to call their dad from work in
Peterborough who would have to drop everything, come get the children and come back to take care of me.
“They have struggled with questions from their friends, having to explain what is wrong with their mum who can walk one day, then is in a wheelchair a week later.
“My disability has made them feel awkward and different among their peers and they feel helpless watching me struggle.
“If Cal was to win, we would find a way to pay for the other two children.
“My family has struggled so much since my body failed; trying to figure out how to live so differently but try to get on with some normality. I think they are all superstars for staying so strong and working together to keep our family going.
“All three are very brave and their selflessness has helped me still feel like someone despite what this disability has done to me emotionally.
“I am so proud of my children and I hope I can still be the mummy they deserve despite not being able to run and play as I once did.”
To show appreciation for the exceptional work of our local carers who dedicate their time and energy to providing vital care and support to vulnerable people in our community, we’ve teamed up with Holiday With Us to bring you a fantastic opportunity.
Many carers put their life on hold to care for others and don’t often get the recognition or credit they deserve.
Carers – both paid and unpaid – play an essential role in our community and we believe their selfless work needs to be recognised, particularly after the challenges many of them have faced with the pandemic.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with Holiday With Us to launch Selfless Superstars, giving them the opportunity to win a well-deserved break.
Do you care for someone in our community or know of someone that does?
Are you in the South Holland area?
Whether you’re a young carer (under 18) or an adult carer, we want to hear from you!
Visit www.holidaywithus.co.uk/selflesssuperstars and fill in the form to nominate yourself or someone else for the chance to win this fantastic giveaway.
Here at the Spalding Voice we will be sharing your stories with the local community and entries may be selected to be featured in the paper.
THE PRIZE:
lIf you’re an adult carer, enter for the chance of winning a seven-night, all-inclusive holiday to Spain for two adults
lIf you’re a carer under 18, enter for the chance of winning a three-night break to Disneyland Paris for two adults and one child.
Entries will be judged and winners will be selected.
Entries close February 28, 2022.
By entering this competition you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions available to view at https://www.holidaywithus.co.uk/selflesssuperstars/
Anyone under the age of 18 must not enter this competition or disclose to us any personal information without permission from a parent or guardian.
