A message of endorsement from Michael Sheen OBE
A Message from Michael Sheen OBE "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." Please give Victoria my best wishes and I hope the launch is a great success.
A Message from Rhydian (pictured with Adele-caitlin)
Rhydian’s message…. “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 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 --------------------------------------- Karl Napieralla O.B.E. Director of Education, Leisure and Lifelong Learning, Neath Port Talbot, Wales adds “Caitlin’s Wish is an imaginative, thought provoking book which is beautifully illustrated. It makes a perfect resource for schools to use in conjunction with the Princess Royal Trust for Carer’s Schools Resource Pack. Furthermore reading it will encourage greater empathy, respect and tolerance from all ages who are not personally affected by illness or disability themselves. I am delighted to say that Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council has ordered copies of this book for circulation in its libraries and schools.” -------------------------------------- Congratulations, Vicki! We wish that we could be with you, Rob, and your family and friends in person to help celebrate the publication of the second edition of Caitlin’s wish. Please know that we are with you most definitely, in spirit. Thank you for creating such a beautiful book that has brought comfort to may 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 IH Research Foundation.
Bonnie Tyler's message of endorsement...
"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, long before Rob was diagnosed with IH, 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. ---------------------------------- Bonnie Tyler's message from the launch on 24th April - “Congratulations Vicki! I’m so happy to be able to be here today, supporting your inspirational book and backing the Young Carers Awareness Campaign. I’ve known Vicki’s family personally for many years, long before Rob was diagnosed with the rare brain condition IH. I’ve seen how they’ve all come to terms with this life-changing illness, now turning it into something so positive to help others. Vicki was just described as being ‘hopeful’ by the IH Research Foundation and I’d have to agree, totally! She’s completely devoted, not only to her family but also in her determination to help others and raise awareness for Young Carers and the IHRF. I first learned of Vicki’s awareness work almost 3 years ago when she asked to use my voice on an IH Awareness video she was making. Since then I’ve watched how her literary talents have unfolded enabling her to turn what happened to her family into something so positive to help others in similar circumstances. I’m proud to endorse ‘Caitlin’s Wish’ as a book which will support many families facing the uncertainty that disability and illness brings. I have great admiration for Young Carers; their path in life is not an easy one and all too often they are overlooked with the majority of the attention being focused on the sick or disabled family member. Caitlin’s Wish helps those children to look for the positives in their lives and understand that they’re not alone. I know that there are some Young Carers in the audience today and I want to say that your unceasing effort to care for your loved ones doesn’t go unnoticed. You’re all heroes in my eyes and I hope that this awareness campaign will lead to more compassion and understanding for Young Carers in society. In my role as Vice President of the Noah’s Ark appeal, I see many sick children, but after today’s event my thoughts will be with their brothers and sisters as well – the Young Carers.”
About the Illustrator...
I have always known that art was a big part of my life. Since the age of about 10, I had pretty much decided that my career was going to involve art in one way or another and so far it has. I left school and decided to do art and design in Llwyn y Bryn College and then progressed to starting an Art and Art History Degree in the University of Glamorgan......
Today - Mostly Cloudy 
