Hollywood actress Dame Judi Dench is one of several celebrities supporting Carers Week 2011. The Oscar-winning British icon is famous for playing 'M' in the James Bond films among many other unforgettable roles on stage and screen. She is also set to make an appearance in the latest Pirates of the Caribbean film, due to be released later this year.
Dame Judi cared for her husband Michael who had lung cancer. He died in January 2001. She says: "As someone with experience of caring for a loved one, I am happy to offer my support to Carers Week. 3 in 5 people will be an unpaid carer at some point in their lives and many of them sacrifice everything to save our economy £87 billion every year. It’s time to give them something back."
A group of nine national charities are coming together for Carers Week to show what 'The True Face of Carers' is; breaking through the stereotypes and reminding people that it's a tough responsibility that can fall on anybody.
Television stars Angela Rippon and Sir David Jason are also giving their support to the awareness week, along with Jack Charlton. The footballing legend says: "The UK’s six million carers come from all walks of life. They are stay-at-home parents, celebrities, and yes, even footballers. What they all have in common is their incredible hard work and dedication, many of them sacrificing all of their time to care for somebody in need. I’m proud to back Carers Week and the call for the support and recognition that carers deserve."
Thousands of carers have been surveyed to find out what life is really like for them in 2011. We'll be revealing the results during Carers Week, 13-19th June this year.
