I’ve spent most of my life caring for the people I love. This started when I was a teenager, when I lost my mum at a young age, and I worked hard to make sure my brother and I had somewhere safe to live.
I've spent the past 20 years living between the houses of my brother and my partner. I’ve been a London black cab driver for 35 years, so it was easier to stay with people when I could freely travel around.
When my brother was diagnosed with cancer, I moved into his place to take care of him. He didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in hospital, so I was able to take good care of him at home. After he passed away, I moved in with my partner. At this time, I was acting as a carer for her. When she needed more support, I gave up work. One day, she went into surgery to have two valves of her heart removed, but she died in hospital.
I went back to work as soon as I could manage, but it was difficult having been through so much. When the pandemic started I didn’t have a stable base. I would have liked to stay with my children, but as my grandchildren are vulnerable, I didn’t want to put to put them at risk. For that reason, I've spent it living with various friends who have offered to put me up. When I can, I still love spending time with my grandchildren. Their births were some of the happiest times of my life.
In the future I look forward to doing the normal things - cooking meals, having my own space. I want to have somewhere I can call my own. I’m nervous about the process of finding my own place as it’s been so long but I’m ready to take care of myself now. For the first time in 20 years, I’m hopeful.