Question in the debate on Muscular Dystrophy
14th May 2008
Dr. Hywel Francis (Aberavon) (Lab): As chair of the all-party carers group, I was very pleased to hear you emphasise the need for local delivery of services. Earlier today, I met Mr. Ray Thomas, who has been a carer for more than 40 years. He attended today's lobby and told me that he had not been to London for 49 years because of the intense care he and his wife have given to two sons, and now one surviving son, Leighton, who has the very rare condition of Becker muscular dystrophy. James, in my constituency, has Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Those families, including parents and grandparents, have enormous pressure placed on them, and when they have to travel great distances, the pressure is all the greater. Would you agree with me that when the Government, either in Wales or England, devise support assistance, the needs of the carers, particularly the parents and grandparents, have to be taken into account?
Nia Griffith: I would like to thank my hon. Friend, who has done outstanding work as chair of the all-party carers group, for raising that issue. It certainly has an enormous impact on the whole family if people have to make frequent journeys over long distances to access the treatment that the family member with muscular dystrophy needs.
