I would like to nominate Kerry Simpson for recognition as an unpaid carer because of the incredible support, care and dedication she has given me throughout my recovery following my stroke in June 2021.

When I suffered my stroke, my life changed completely. After spending six weeks in hospital, I returned home needing support to adjust to a very different way of living. Kerry became my constant source of encouragement, reassurance and practical help. She took on the role of caring for me while also managing the responsibilities of family life, without asking for anything in return.

Kerry has supported me through the physical and emotional challenges that followed my stroke, including helping me adapt to ongoing effects such as fatigue and difficulties with regulating my temperature. She has been there on the difficult days, encouraged me when I doubted myself, and helped me rebuild my confidence and independence.

What makes Kerry’s support so special is that she has never seen herself as a carer, she has simply been my wife standing beside me. However, the time, patience and emotional energy she has given over the years show the true meaning of unpaid caring. She has supported me through hospital appointments, changes in my abilities, returning to work, and the many adjustments required after such a life-changing event.

Despite everything she has done for me, Kerry has continued to support our family, work as a teacher, and encourage me to pursue my goals. She has always believed in me, including supporting my decision to return to education and train as a secondary Computer Science teacher.

Kerry’s care has allowed me to move forward, regain confidence and achieve things I once thought might not be possible. Without her support, my recovery journey would have been much harder.

She deserves recognition not only for the practical help she provides, but for the love, patience and strength she shows every single day. Kerry represents the thousands of unpaid carers who quietly make a life-changing difference to those around them, often without expecting any acknowledgement.