Unpaid Carer from Milton Keynes hopes his story inspires after meeting Prime Minister and Chancellor on Budget day

Milton Keynes man Paul Ridley is an unpaid carer for his 37-year-old son and 35-year-old daughter. After meeting Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the Chancellor on Budget Day, he has shared his story, in his own words, in the hope it inspires others:

Paul Ridley With Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Budget Day | Paul Ridley

placeholder image — Paul Ridley With Prime Minister Andy Burnham on Budget Day | Paul Ridley

I know how MK Citizen likes to share how well local people from Milton Keynes are doing and how well it makes the city look and also inspire other people.

I am an unpaid carer for my 37 year old non verbal autistic son, who also has Epilepsy, IBS and depression since covid, he requires 2-1 support due to his complex needs and to prevent him from harm. I also care for my daughter who is 35 and has been diagnosed with Aspergers. I fell into campaigning during covid and when the LA ended my sons services with 2 weeks notice, I used this negative event to start campaigning on my own, I wanted something good to come out of it and I have worked alongside Talkback, NHS CNWL, Carers Trust, National Autistic Society, Carers UK, Age UK, Spectrum Place, Which?, Baton Of Hope, We Are Carers & the We Care Campaign. I have been involved in many stuff and all for free and around my caring role as Caring & my family always comes first.

With Chancellor & prime Minister | Paul Ridley

Earlier this year I was invited to a Royal Garden party, for my caring & campaigning role and then I was invited to the Social care announcement by the Prime Minister. Until Budget day.

I was invited to at the Abbey Centre in Westminster on Budget day. I was there with other carers and people from all walks of life. I got to meet the prime Minister Andy Burnham for the 2nd time and the Chancellor John Healey for the first time and this was after the budget was delivered. I questioned him and at one stage he became very emotional when i spoke about hope.

What a year tea & cake with Royalty& the Prime Minister within a few months, but my campaign work isn't done and it means nothing if there is no change from it.

I hope my story can inspire others to do what I am doing, what started off as standing up for my son is now bigger and it's not just about me but all carers out there.