A mum who has been looking after her disabled daughter for over 60 years has praised a Southport "life-line".
Louise Dixon, 61, was born with cerebral palsy and has relied on her mum Anne, who is her sole carer. Anne's husband died six years ago and her son now lives in America, and Louise has been by her mum's side through it all.
But the pair, who live in Bolton, have said their "lifeline" came from a Southport service which offers carers that all-important respite, while also giving those with additional needs something to look forward to.
READ MORE: 'Most wanted' fugitive 'Scouse Carlos' chased man into shop and stabbed him in head
Louise has been holidaying at the popular Revitalise retreat in Southport - the Sandpipers - ever since it was opened by Prince Charles in 1988, and she is a much-loved regular there, with her breaks funded by her local authority. In fact, Louise refuses to go anywhere else for her holidays as she loves it so much.
Anne told the ECHO: "We get on well together but it is very difficult. She can't walk by herself anymore and needs help getting in and out of the shower, and struggles to dress herself and needs her meals cooking so we are together all the time.
"It was a friend of ours with a disabled daughter that recommended it [Revitalise]. Revitalise is amazing. There are lots of activities and she loves going and it gives me more time to do things so I may go and see a film or take a trip away, it really is a lifeline."
During the national lockdown, Louise was "housebound" and spent her days "sitting in her chair watching TV", but has looked forward to the retreat re-opening so they can both get their "lives back".
Sadly Anne became seriously ill with Covid-19 for four long months during lockdown. Although neighbours helped with shopping and delivering hot meals, Anne was only just able to cope with caring for Louise while she was so poorly.
Thankfully Anne made a full recovery as she said "we muddled through", with one thing getting them through the difficult time being looking forward to Louise’s next holiday at Sandpipers.
Anne added: "I think she’d live there if she could. She absolutely adores Sandpipers. She goes there five times a year for a week each time. She knows all the staff there and has made friends there with the other guests."
Sandpipers has a full programme of activities for guests to enjoy, with Louise particularly enjoying swimming, dancing and musical entertainment, especially ‘Queen week’ which is dedicated to her favourite rock band.
Anne said: "It’s so important for us each to have a break, as we’re together all the time usually. It’s great for me to get some time to myself but to know that Louise will be very well looked after at the same time. It’s her special place."
Revitalise, a registered charity and the largest provider of supported holidays and breaks for disabled people and carers in the UK, offers a refreshing alternative to more traditional respite residential care.
Ahead of Carers Week, national charity Revitalise is raising awareness of disability and the importance of holidays for carers and the people they care for. For disabled people and their carers, friends and family, it is even more crucial to have that respite from the daily routine.
Research from Carers Week shows that 72% of carers do not get a break from their caring role at all, whilst research from Carers UK shows that 4 in 10 unpaid carers have not had a break in over a year.
Each Revitalise centre helps guests enjoy a getaway that includes fun trips and activities in a relaxed, holiday-style environment. Revitalise President Dame Esther Rantzen said: "Carers are uniquely valuable and we must never forget how much we owe to their love and commitment.
"A respite break can make a huge difference to so many who may be struggling. I realise how important that is. Fun is not a luxury, it’s a necessity, to make our lives worthwhile."
