Former young carer leads fundraising team for Cardiff Half Marathon

Jo Galazka, who became a carer at the age of 8, is an Advisory Board member for Carers Trust Wales. She will be leading the charge to raise vital funds for the charity by taking on the Cardiff Half Marathon this Sunday 3 October.

“My life literally changed overnight when I became the primary carer for my mum, baby brother and two younger siblings, Mum had severe postnatal depression, which later developed into manic depression and bipolar disorder.

“As the oldest in a single parent household I felt the responsibility to keep us together. I supported my mum with everything from medication, emotional support to household chores to keeping the bills paid and getting my siblings to school. All whilst juggling school myself and advocating for my mum to get the support she needed.

“The one constant support through my journey has been the Carers Trust and I owe them so much.

“I am now a proud member of the Carers Trust Wales advisory board and it is one of my proudest achievements being able to help and advise the charity in Wales on the work they do supporting carers across Wales.”

As Jo embarks on the Half Marathon in support of Carers Trust Wales, Simon Hatch, Director of Carers Trust Wales, commented:

“We’re delighted to have in Jo such a strong ambassador and role model for young carers. As a member of our Advisory Board she ensures young carers’ issues are at the forefront of our minds.

“In taking on the Half Marathon she’s not only raising funds but raising awareness too. We’re incredibly grateful to her and wishing her the best on Half Marathon day.”