The last census results revealed there were 16,000 carers in the region although the figure is now estimated to be even higher.

Now, in the run-up to the week, carers have shared their experiences.

Marion Hirst, 51, of Goxhill, has been a carer for the past 12 years.

She said: “I originally became a carer to look after my mum, who had dementia and mobility problems.”

Since her mother passed away, Marion now looks after her father, Cecil Hardy, 87, who has diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and a prostate problem which means he needs a catheter.

She said: “I want him to be as independent as he can but I help him quite a lot. I organise all of his hospital appointments and always go with him.

“We do his food shopping together.”

Marion now works for the Carer Support Centre (CSC) in Brigg for eight-and-a-half hours a week.

She said: “They are fantastic and have given me a chance to still do work and have a worth.

“I hope this awareness week will let people know that there is help out there.

“To me it has been amazing to have people to talk to.”

Approximately 2,500 people contact the CSC each year for information or support.

One of those who uses the service is carer Jean McFarlene.

Jean, 66, of Kirton in Lindsey, has looked after her daughter Sinead, 40, for 20 years.

She said: “My daughter had a serious head injury when she was 20 and I have had to help her retrain her brain to do everything.

“Some people often ask how I cope, but Sinead is now able to live in independent living accommodation five days a week.

“It is a nightmare really but we have good and bad days. We are doing very well.”

Jean said becoming a carer was extremely hard work. She said: “I send her meals most days and I am very busy helping her.”

Jean said the carers’ support groups had been helpful.

She said: “I think it is very important to raise awareness for the underlying heroes.”

Every year during Carers’ Week, Jean holds an open house event to raise money for charities in the area. This year it will take place on Wednesday, June 20, from 9.30am until noon, at 26 Dunstan Villas, Kirton.

Other events which have been organised for the week include a coffee morning from 10am on Thursday, June 14 at Yaddlethorpe Church, Scunthorpe, and a fun and leisure day at The Pods, in Ashby Road, Scunthorpe, from 10am to 3pm on Tuesday, June 19.

http://www.thisisscunthorpe.co.uk/