Our Heroes: 'My life has changed thanks to caring Jenny'

MARY Moss was able to take her first summer holiday in more than 40 years thanks to her friend and neighbour Jenny Boden.

For most of her life Mary has been a full-time carer for her blind and autistic daughter Annette, who needs round-the-clock care and attention.

But three years ago Jenny started helping to look after 47-year-old Annette, meaning Mary finally had enough time to do some of the things most of us take for granted.

Mary is so grateful to Jenny that she has nominated her in the Good Neighbour category of The Sentinel's Our Heroes awards.

The pair had been neighbours for years, and Mary says she had known for a long time how caring and helpful Jenny was.

Mary, aged 68, of Queen Street, Audley, said: "Jenny has always got time for everybody and everything really. When she's going past she'll always ask if you want anything from the shop.

"My daughter is totally blind and has learning difficulties, and so you have to do everything for her.

"One day the doctor said that I needed to get someone in to help me with Annette.

"I saw Jenny and she said she'd give it a try, and she just took to it straight away. She did it for a couple of days and then she came back to me and said she'd take the job. Jenny has been a full-time carer for Annette for two or three years now.

"She dresses her, washes her, feeds her and puts her to bed at night. She does everything. I can't find the words to describe Jenny."

Jenny's help meant that Mary was able to go on a caravanning holiday in Wales with her friends for the first time two years ago.

Mary added: "I'd been on short trips before, but I never stayed anywhere. But now I can go away knowing that Annette is in safe hands.

"I'm the treasurer of the Children of Audley Residents' Association, and since Jenny started caring for Annette I've been able to attend more meetings and do a lot more.

"Basically, my life has changed immensely since Jenny started."

Jenny, who cared for elderly neighbours before helping out with Annette, says she gets a great deal out of assisting people in this way.

The 46-year-old, of Queen Street, Audley, said: "I was asked if I would take the job on, because it was a lot of work for Mary, and Annette might have to be taken into care.

"I've got a lot of time for people like Mary, and so I said I'd give it a go.

"I just like doing it, caring for old and disabled people and helping people out. It makes me feel good.

"Mary and her family are very nice as well, which makes it even better."