Jackie Chapman

Profile

Biography

I became a carer at the age of nine having to look after my two siblings and a three-week-old baby due to my mother’s illness (no National Health in those days and if my father didn't work he had no money to look after his family). I had a full-time job until I was 65, during which time I was a full-time carer for my husband for the last 12 years of his life while suffering with emphysema. Over the years I have also cared for both my parents and mother in law, because of this I have always cared passionately for the 'Carer' and very concerned about the fate of former carers who on the whole are forgotten.

When I reached the age of 50 I became involved with the MS Society taking on the roles of Chairman, Secretary, Fundraiser and part of the Support Team, I also help to run our MS Café every week.

Due to my connections with the MS Society I am also involved with other groups mainly: University of York SUPA Group, York Carers Forum, York City Council Cares Strategy Group, York Hospital and PCT Carers Health Support Group, University of York SPRU Group, Health Watch York Representative looking at the health and social problems in the City of York, North Yorkshire and York Neurological Alliance and I am a trustee of York Carers Centre.

Part of my work involves helping professionals to understand the needs of people with disabilities and their carers, and as a former carer I hope I can contribute something to help improve their lives.