The Mayor of London Boris Johnson today praised the work of carers in the capital and across the UK, whose important contribution to society as well as loved ones often goes unnoticed.

There are an estimated six million carers in the UK, with almost 680,000 in London, though this figure is thought to be higher. Around 2.3 per cent of carers in London are aged under 16. Many will be juggling other responsibilities such as work or school. This year's theme is "The True Face of Carers" and the aim is to dispel myths and reveal the realities of their situation.

The Mayor said: 'If we look into the 'true face of carers' we see selflessness, determination and resilience. But this can be at the expense of the carers' own aspirations, well-being and quality of life as they support their family, friends and neighbours for nothing in return. In these challenging times we must all ensure that they are neither taken for granted nor forgotten. My best wishes to everyone involved in Carers Week 2011 and to the unsung heroes for the amazing work they do every day of the year.'

Carers Week takes place from 13-19 June and the Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes will present certificates to people participating in this year's London Carers' Thames Walk, which takes place the day before (Sunday 12 June). Now in its sixth year, the 10-mile walk along the south bank of the Thames starts at the Scoop outside City Hall. Organised by a committee of carers and carers centres, the aim is to raise awareness and funds.

The Deputy Mayor of London Richard Barnes said: 'Carers across the capital are doing quite extraordinary work every day of the year. I am delighted to be able to welcome the organisers and participants of the sixth London Carers' Thames Walk to City Hall. We should never forget the vital contribution they make.'

The Deputy Mayor will give a speech and present certificates to participants of the walk at 1:30pm on Sunday. Also speaking will be committee chair Colin Shurrock. Media are welcome to attend. To confirm, please email ben.mcknight@london.gov.uk as soon as possible.

 

Notes to editors

1. Carers Week takes place from 13-19 June and is a partnership of nine national charities: Age UK, Carers UK, Counsel & Care, Crossroads Care, Dementia UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson's UK and The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. For more information go to www.carersweek.org.
2. The London Carers' Thames Walk is organised by a committee of Carers and Carers Centres as part of Carers Week. Since the first walk took place participants have raised some £50,000 for carers centres. The organisers have recently set up an organisation called Carers’ Thames Walk to facilitate and manage the walk. The London Carers Thames Walk Management Committee consists of: Colin Shurrock (Chairman); Peter Tihanyi (Deputy Chair); Baj Mathur (Secretary); Jenny Massey (Treasurer); Joy Bernstein and David LeBon. For more information about this year's walk go to www.carersthameswalk.org.uk.

 

PUBLIC/NON-MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Call the Public Liaison Unit at the Greater London Authority on 020 7983 4100

 

MEDIA ENQUIRIES: Press information is available from Ben McKnight on 020 7983 4071; email ben.mcknight@london.gov.uk (press only - not for publication)

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