Local charity, Carer Support Wiltshire (CSW) has announced that Dr Andrew Murrison, Member of Parliament for South West Wiltshire will be their new patron.
The charity supports unpaid carers in the county, offering advice, information and help for those looking after a family member, loved one or neighbour. It is estimated there are over 47,500 carers here in Wiltshire.
Dr Murrison has a background in health and the armed services, retiring as a surgeon commander from the Navy in 2000 after 18 years of service. He was recalled to serve in 2003 in Iraq. A qualified doctor, he has worked locally in Warminster as a GP and held posts for health in Government. He is the author of influential reports on healthcare for members of the Service community: ‘Fighting Fit’ and ‘A Better Deal for Military Amputees’ and has written on The Military Covenant. In 2011 he was appointed special representative for the First World War centenary commemorations.
Earlier this year CSW set up the armed forces family support project, with funding from Royal British Legion. The project aims to help those carers with military connections to access services, funding and training.
In his role of patron, Dr Murrison will work with CSW to help raise awareness of carers and the valuable contribution they make to the local community and economy. He said, “I am very pleased to be asked to help as patron and delighted to do so. Carers make a huge, largely unsung and under-appreciated, contribution to society.”
CSW chief executive, Catharine Hurford said, “We, and the carers we support, welcome Dr Murrison as our patron. With his assistance, we will be able to raise the profile of carers and caring and extend our reach as an organisation committed to ensuring the county’s carers are well supported.
“Dr Murrison will be visiting the CSW office on Friday 8th December to meet staff and trustees and learn more about the work they do to support carers here in Wiltshire.”
