Leicestershire carer Jackie in line for TV’s woman of year award

Leicester Mercury

A carer who turned her home into a respite centre for disabled children has been short-listed for a national Woman of the Year award.

Jackie Millerchip, of Hinckley, is one of three finalists in ITV1’s Lorraine Inspirational Woman of the Year awards, and will appear on the show on Monday.

After working as a childminder for several years, the 46-year-old decided about seven years ago that she wanted to do more to help disabled children.

She applied for a grant to set up a sensory cabin in her garden and since then has transformed her home into a round-the-clock centre for children with disabilities.

Jackie said she was amazed to find out she was a finalist. “I still can’t believe it,” she said.

“When I got the call I was a bit flabbergasted – I thought it was a joke.

“This is more than a job, it’s something I’m really passionate about. It’s more or less full-time but it’s my life and I really enjoy it.

“I don’t expect anything in return but it’s a nice honour and, if I can go on TV and talk about it and bring it to the forefront, then I’ll feel like I’m doing the job I set out to do.”

Jackie started with a £22,000 grant from Leicestershire County Council, but has ploughed thousands of pounds of her savings into her work and relies on donations and fund-raising.

She has 39 youngsters who stay with her for anything from a few hours to several days, with more on a waiting list. The mum-of-two employs four other people, including one of her daughters, and is in the process of registering the centre, Diverse and Unique Care, as a charity.

“This isn’t something you can do for money, it’s got to be something you’re passionate about,” said Jackie. “I get so much from seeing the children happy and helping their parents. When parents say I’m their lifeline that means more to me than anything.”

Jackie’s husband, Terry, is supportive. She said: “He’s wonderful. He knows I get great pleasure out of it and I think it keeps him young.”

Jackie will tell her story to presenter Lorraine Kelly on Monday. The other two finalists will appear on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Viewers can vote on-line from Thursday to Monday, October 17, when all three women will be invited to a Women of the Year lunch in London, where the winner will be announced. Jackie was nominated by her friend Sarah Fildes, whose son spends time at the centre.

Sarah, of Hinckley, said: “Jackie is trying to break down discrimination between kids. She spends all her money on them.”

Lorraine said: “The three finalists are all ordinary women with extraordinary stories.”

Lorraine airs at 8.30am each weekday.

To vote from Thursday, visit:

www.itv.com/lorraine

To help Diverse and Unique Care, call Jackie on 01455 640623.