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'I am a carer for my husband, son and daughter'

Suzanne Buckner Suzanne Buckner stands on a grassy clifftop with the sea and a small island in the background. She wears a black-and-white blouse, dark trousers and a dark jacket, with sunglasses pushed back over her brown hair.Suzanne Buckner
Suzanne Buckner said she sometimes went without sleep in order to provide care

A woman has described working 24-hour days in order to care for her husband, son and daughter.

Suzanne Buckner, from Three Mile Cross, Berkshire, said she sometimes went without sleep and was too busy to attend health appointments for herself.

She previously set up a school for her son, who has a personality disorder, and also supports a husband with clinical depression and a daughter who is deaf and has diabetes and tumours on her liver.

In a survey to mark the start of Carers Week, the charity Carers UK said some carers were reporting declining health because they had no time look after their own needs.

Ms Buckner, who gave evidence to parliament about the issue, said: "A day can be 24 hours, literally, because I'm getting no sleep because of things that are going on.

"For instance, last Friday night, that's the most recent one, [my 18-year-old daughter] had a hypo, she was starting to go in a coma.

"Then I have a husband who's got clinical depression and a personality disorder. He's been sectioned twice. He can be unpredictable.

"And then I have a son who's been classed as a danger to society... He has very complex needs."

Suzanne Buckner Suzanne Buckner and her daughter face the camera. The mother has a patterned black, grey, red and white blouse and brown hair tied back in a wavy style. Her daughter has braided, brown hair and wears a red sweatshirt bearing the word "nemesis".Suzanne Buckner
Ms Buckner cares for her 18-year-old daughter who has a range of medical conditions

In 2008, Ms Buckner set up a school in Reading where her son, then aged nine, was the only pupil, after he was excluded from other settings.

She said her caring responsibilities were taking a toll on her own health.

"I fell over two years ago. I didn't go for an X-ray for three months because I didn't have time," she said.

"Then I was told I had to go for surgery and I was, like, 'I don't have time'.

"Now, theoretically I need to have a couple of teeth out. I don't have time."

Carers UK said 40% of carers it surveyed said they had postponed or cancelled a medical appointment, while 43% said their health had declined since taking on the role.

The charity's chief executive Helen Walker said: "Sadly, caring for someone often comes at a personal cost.

"It can be a negative cycle for many carers who experience worsening physical or mental health and are unable to take a break to look after themselves."

If you are a carer for someone, you can visit the BBC's Support for Carers page for details of organisations that can help.

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