Bonnie Tyler with members of Crossroads Young Carers Project, Swansea.

“Caitlin’s Wish is a beautifully illustrated, inspirational book written by a lady devoted to her family and determined to help others.
Having known the family personally for many years, I’ve seen how they’ve come to terms with this life changing illness, now turning it into something so positive to help others.
I am happy to endorse ‘Caitlin’s Wish’ as a book that will support many families facing the uncertainty that disability and illness brings.
All too often the children are overlooked and the focus is on the disabled/ sick family member. Caitlin’s Wish helps those children to look for the positives in their lives and understand that they’re not alone.”
Bonnie Tyler. MBE.

April 2012

Bonnie Tyler with Victoria, Adele-Caitlin, Chris, Nikki Shercliffe, and her carer.

“I just want to say how amazing I think this whole Caitlin’s Wish project is.

Victoria has worked ever so hard on it. I’m just sorry I can’t be there to celebrate the launch, but I wish it well.
It’s a fantastic book, everyone’s going to love it; especially children. I think it really is a great insight into the life of a young carer – It’s great!
I’m very proud to be associated with it. My mother is a huge fan of this book, and she’s the Director of Wales, Carers Trust.
Congratulations to everybody involved, particularly Victoria and of course, the lady who it’s about really; Adele. God Bless You!”

Rhydian Roberts

“Caitlin’s Wish is an imaginative book beautifully illustrated that can be a fun family read and a terrific resource in schools and youth settings to ensure that all young people have a better understanding of the road traveled by young people with caring responsibilities.
Carers Trust is delighted to be linked to this publication and would encourage everyone to buy their own copy and then get one to pass on to friends and family.”
Angela Roberts, Director of Wales,
Carers Trust. (2006- 2013)

“You are such an inspiring figure with your message of hope and triumph.  From the first time I spoke with you I knew that you were destined for greatness and you had a calling that would touch the lives of many. “

Thank you for creating such a beautiful book that has brought comfort to many families struggling with chronic intracranial hypertension. One of the scariest situations for any child is to see a parent ill; you’ve been able to transform your own family’s experiences into Caitlin’s Wish, a gently reassuring book that is full of hope.

Vicki, thank you so much for your support and your efforts to raise awareness of chronic IH. Most people with this painful illness suffer in silence, because so few know about it. As a committed, passionate IHRF volunteer, you have made it your mission to raise awareness of chronic IH and help improve the lives of people impacted by this life-altering disorder.

If we could choose one word to describe Vicki, it would be “hopeful”. (Of course, a second word might be “patience” since she displays lots of it when the Skype connection
occasionally drops during our monthly online volunteer meetings!)
Christopher Reeve once said, “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” Vicki is living proof of that idea.
Congratulations again, Vicki, and thank you so much, on behalf of the Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation, our family and all families who are searching for answers for their loved ones with chronic IH.
Emanuel, Amy and Jessica Tanne
(April 2012)

Intracranial Hypertension Research Foundation
www.ihrfoundation.org

“Even the concept of Young Carers was new to me when I first got involved with some of our local Carers groups. The idea that children, some under the age of 8, are caring for family members on a daily basis, was mind-blowing to me.
Many have no support and often are unaware themselves that they are doing the work of a Carer.

There are so many aspects of these children’s lives that need a light shone on them – helping them to identify themselves as Carers in the first place, letting them know what help and support is available, making that support accessible to them, addressing the stigma that children can feel about being young Carers.
All of this can be helped by raising awareness within our communities of this, all too often, hidden world. Together, let us do all we can to let these children know that they are not alone, that they have our support and that the future can be hopeful and full of promise.”

“Young carers can so often go overlooked and, sadly, they all too often feel unseen, uncared about, and overwhelmed. Even knowing that what they are doing to help look after their family qualifies them as young carers can sometimes be a difficult task. Anything that helps them feel seen and that the love and care that they provide is valued and appreciated is hugely important. Whatever support it’s possible to provide is essential. I hope that this beautiful book, Caitlin’s Wish, can play a small part in bringing this about.
Love, Michael Sheen”

“Caitlin’s Wish has changed our lives forever. Due to your tireless, unceasing efforts in raising awareness for Young Carers, we now have our daughter Bella back to her happier than ever person she has always been. When I was diagnosed with IH in 2008, she remained cheerful and positive; however, there was always a little less sparkle in her eye. She now knows she is not alone and there are many other children that she has so much in common with. Thank you Victoria, from our family to you for putting the sparkle back in our daughter’s eyes!
Much love and thanks forever!”
Robin , California, USA

“Caitlin’s Wish has given me the perspective I needed to keep positive, both for myself and those around me. It has helped me to accept those parts of myself that I am incapable of changing and to make the best of the things I can do.

I don’t have to miss out on everything; I just have to do things differently. Instead of going out somewhere with my friends we play games via web cam so I can lie down or stop if I get too worn out.

Instead of trying to read with pain that makes it hard to concentrate I can listen to an audio book. Simple changes that might not seem like a lot but can make all the difference in the world when all you want is to be yourself.

Thank you, Victoria for telling a beautiful story that can teach us all a little about coping with life-altering illness and making the best out of the life you are given.”