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Your storiesYou are in: North Yorkshire > People > Your stories > Motherly love  Motherly loveBy Andy Kershaw Katie Smith spent her childhood in exotic far-flung places, but it's her nursing background which has helped her to adapt to changes in later life. She's a busy lady, but still finds time to help others... Katie Smith was born on Christmas Day in 1945 in Birkenhead. “I lived abroad a lot as a child in places like as Hong Kong, Malaya and Egypt because my dad was in the army." Her 92-year-old mum has just gone into residential care after being cared for by Katie for several years.
“I didn’t want to do it and neither did she, but a few years ago I had cancer. I started thinking if things get worse I’m going to be responsible. We left it as long as possible but she was falling a lot and feeling quite frail. I’d had enough of the police and fire brigade breaking the door down because nobody could get in. “I couldn’t cope, as she needed care 24/7. When I became ill with breast cancer she was still at home with all the relevant assistive technology devices like a chair with a riser and stair lift. “I felt I’d let her down and I felt quite angry because she wanted to stay at home with all her bits and pieces around her”. A busy life, but a nursing background helpedKatie is divorced and has a daughter and two grandchildren, she also helps her daughter’s family quite a bit. Katie's former career helps in her new role fighting for carers in York. “I have been a nurse specialising in psychiatry and elderly care which set me in good stead for what was to come.  “People in these circumstances often struggle with discovering their rights and what to do as a carer. I had a lot of information through my work and had a bit of a head start and I’ve been able to fight really.” Katie is the secretary of the Carers Forum which is being launched in York on Thursday 4th September. Ill health forced early retirementKatie eventually had to give up nursing early owing to back trouble. However, before she had chance to reap the rewards of a long career with a fruitful retirement, Katie took on the role of her mum’s carer. “My cancer was very frightening because I had it twice in the breast and ended up having a mastectomy. I worried about who would look after my mum and my daughter if I wasn’t around. I thought I was going to die. “I feel fine now and I would say keep a check on yourself and look after your health, especially if you’re a carer”. Hope for new Carers Forum“We’re hoping to get more carers out of the woodwork and to hold those who provide services for carers to account. All carers are experts too and our voice counts. We want all the carers in York to add their voice to our new group.” “We want to link with other organisations and produce a regular newsletter for carers so that they can share experiences and benefit from our collective strength”. For more information about the York Carers Forum call the CSV Actionline at BBC Radio York on 01904 610606 or fill in the form below. last updated: 02/10/2008 at 09:50 You are in: North Yorkshire > People > Your stories > Motherly love |
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