Mandy cares for her friend Gavin who has mobility problems as a result of damaged vertebrae. Like many, Mandy’s role varies from day-to-day, helping with personal care, medication, attending appointments and getting out and about. She also cares for her son Reece who has anxiety. Mandy supports him with everything day-to-day too.

Mandy and her family took a break up north to Aviemore in December. The break was funded through Scot Spirit, with additional support whilst on holiday provided by the Wee Breaks fund.

Mandy expressed her gratitude for being able to take the holiday and get a break from her caring routines:

“Not having to cook and clean, and just having a change of scenery was amazing for me. It was honestly like paradise. With Reece’s conditions, it can be difficult to get him out and about, but he absolutely loved it too.

It might have been -11 in the Highlands but that didn’t stop them! They visited the Highland Wildlife Park, went out for walks and saw the local sights. Mandy adds:

“Seeing the smile on Reece’s face was just like…wow. I felt like all my birthdays and Christmases had come at once. That’s the happiest I’ve ever seen him, and I was just so stunned by how relaxing the whole experience was.”