Claire has chosen to walk the perimeter of Ryedale, 91 miles, over a period of seven days starting and finishing in Kirkbymoorside and says it’s a schedule that may push her boundaries. “I’m retiring from Ryedale Carers Support in August and wanted to give something back,” says Claire. “It currently has 142 volunteers helping carers take a little break. I’m hoping it will raise awareness of the work, encourage more volunteers and I’m hoping to raise much needed funds.
They often just need the break, but the cared for person, it’s hard for them, having a stranger coming in, so we try to find connections between the carer support volunteer and the person being cared for. It is surprising how often the volunteer and the person being cared for have something in common. “The volunteer can also be a really good sounding board for the carer.