Chesterfield mum of disabled son with dementia up for national campaigning award

Anna Tesdale, 41, cares for her disabled oldest son Charlie, 21, who has a rare degenerative brain condition which caused him to develop dementia and lose most of his mobility.

Increased energy costs caused financial devastation for Anna’s family, as Charlie relies on a powered wheelchair and needs the home to be kept at a certain temperature as he cannot regulate his body temperature.

To make ends meet, Anna was forced to rely on foodbanks and received an emergency grant from the national disability charity Sense.

Anna decided to get involved with campaigning and stand up for other families in a similar position. Since then, Anna has spoken to MPs in Westminster, handed in a petition with 80,000 signatures to Downing Street, and spoken to the media to raise awareness.

Her campaigning has now been recognised by Sense, who have shortlisted her for ‘Campaigner of the Year’ at the Sense Awards – which recognise the achievements of disabled people and those who support them.

Anna said: “I am so privileged to have had support from Sense. I feel it’s important for me to give back. There are millions of people with disabilities who can advocate for themselves but Charlie can’t fully. I am his voice and I don’t intend to just accept what we are all facing at the moment.

“At Westminster, I took a picture of Charlie with me so I could say we’re not talking about figures and numbers here, we’re talking about real people. This is my son, but he could just as well be your son, and you’d want better for him.

“I also wanted to make a difference. If I could stop one person from feeling as alone as I have in the past, it is all worthwhile. We are all a team, if we work together we are louder and we will get results.”

Richard Kramer, Chief Executive of Sense, said: "Anna has shown bravery and determination in fighting for more Government support for families like hers during a very difficult period, and showing the disproportionate impact the cost-of-living crisis has on disabled people. I’m looking forward to honouring her and our other nominees at the Sense Awards.”