Unpaid carers across South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire reveal the 'sacrifices' they've made
63-year-old Howard Smith has been caring for his elderly mother on a full-time basis since the coronavirus pandemic
Unpaid carers across South Yorkshire & North Derbyshire admit they're struggling to 'keep their heads above water' financially - due to the sacrifices they're having to make.
In the UK - there's thought to be around 5.7 million people who look after loved ones & family members on a full-time basis.
63-year-old Howard Smith quit work to become a full-time, unpaid carer for his 95-year-old mum in Sheffield - when lockdown restrictions were first introduced in 2020:
"Mum was having maybe 6 or 7 carers in a week, all coming from different places, so I made that decision to come here and look after my mum during coronavirus, and it's just continued ever since.
"Not every day is plain sailing. It is difficult and it's going to get more difficult considering that she is 95.
"I've just got to make sure that I can pay my bills and look after my mum for now.
"If there is any kind of downside to this, it's that it's something that you can't switch off from; it's seven days a week.
"You've got to always be ready for something happening, but it's a happy situation and I think that's what keeps me going.
"The fact that my mum's happy and I'm helping towards that, means a lot to me.
"I don't go out socially anymore compared to how I used to, but this is very rewarding, and I wouldn't have it any other way for now.
"The things I want to do in my life - like go to football matches and concerts - have had to take a back seat."
Unpaid carers save the economy around 162 million pounds a year.