A Hero In Downing Street
I met a hero in Downing Street today - and no, it wasn’t Gordon Brown! It was a young man by the name of Connor Greer. Connor lives in East Hagbourne in my constituency. He is eleven years old and has just started at St Birinus school in Didcot. But this young man has had to grow up fast. He land his mum live on their own. His mum contracted meningitis when she was pregnant with Connor. As such, Jackie suffers from a range of disabilities including impaired hearing and vision. A couple of years ago she collapsed, and Connor had the bravery and foresight to call an ambulance, saving her life. Connor makes sure the bills are paid, and does the cleaning in the house.
Why did I meet Connor in Downing Street? Because he had won an award, voted by viewers of ITV, as Thames Valley carer of the year. ITV and the Daily Mirror held a reception in Dowing Street, hosted by Sarah Brown, the Prime Minister’s wife. The PM himself turned up (he has a clear diary since the election was cancelled) as did JK Rowling. It was a great occasion. But it is also a reminder that there are thousands of Connors all over the country. The support that carers give is worth billions to the country, and many of them do it with little complaint. It’s great to have the chance to honour just a few of them.
Incidentally for the Downing Street spotters amongst you, Tony Blair’s photo is not yet on the stairs with all the other photos of ex-PMs. History does not record whether it went up and Brown took it down, or it still has to be framed.
judith said on October 9th, 2007 at 7:19 pm:
Just why is an 11yr old child left to care for a disabled mother on his own? Is she widowed or deserted? Where are her family? Where are Social Services? What the hell use is an award to this child who is being deprived of his childhood? And how would an 11yr old know how to complain about his situation?
Sue B said on October 10th, 2007 at 10:59 am:
I agree with Judith, it shouldn’t be the child’s responsibility to look after his mother, he should be free to enjoy his childhood. Saying that, I’m glad that his sacrifices have been recognised, but let’s hope that Social Services step in and arrange some adult care for his mum so that Connor can go back to being a kid again. This is especially urgent now that Connor is at senior school. How is he supposed to care for his mum, do all the cleaning etc, and do his homework, let alone find time to play with his school mates? Ed, I hope that you’re looking into this, for Connor’s sake.