Mum's Heartbreaking Dilemma
A single mother in Rayleigh, Essex lost her job after taking too much time off to accompany her 11-year-old daughter to hospital appointments during her battle with leukaemia. Christina Harris, 45, put her job as an estate agent negotiator of 19 years on hold to care for her daughter, Skye.
A Plea for Government Support
Recognizing the challenges faced by parents in similar situations, Christina has launched a petition to urge the government to improve the rights of parents caring for seriously ill children. She is calling for employers to grant special breaks and ensure job security for parents overseeing their children's treatment.
A Nightmare Diagnosis
In December 2021, Skye complained of rib pain, which was initially dismissed as anxiety by a GP. However, a scan at Southend Hospital A&E revealed that Skye's lungs were filled with pneumonia. Further tests revealed that she had acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Financial Struggles and Community Support
With no other income, Christina faced financial insecurity while caring for Skye. Strangers donated £20,000 through a GoFundMe page to help cover the family's bills. Christina also received support through benefits, although it took nine months for her to be awarded them.
Career Impact and Job Loss
Christina's employer initially assured her that her job was safe, but they were unable to pay her while she was off. Nine months into Skye's treatment, Christina was offered a reduced role, working two days a week from home on less pay. She ultimately lost her job when she couldn't commit to returning to her previous office time and hours.
A Desperate Plea for Change
Christina's petition to protect the jobs of parents caring for seriously ill children has gained over 70,000 signatures. She believes it is the government's responsibility to address these issues and prevent parents from facing financial hardships on top of the emotional strain of caring for their sick children.
This blog post was based on an article originally published in The Guardian.
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