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BBC News
a day ago
- Health
- BBC News
'I slowly realised I was running two households'
As retirement age rises for many people, more grown-up children than ever are providing their parents with the support they need to go on living independently, while also continuing to work full time themselves. It is so common now that there is even a specific term for such grown-up children who give care to elderly parents: they have become known as "carents".However, some "carents" say there is a real lack of recognition around how hard it can be to juggle two households, especially when parents and children live far Bell, one of those "carents", is preparing to take her 95-year-old father Colin to a routine hospital for Christine, who lives in Guiseley, Leeds, that means a 400-mile round trip and two days away from running her own business as her father lives in is a train journey she has made many times in the last 15 years. Her late mum, Beryl, once broke her knee in a fall and, in order for her to stay at home, Christine and her sister decided to divide up her care between them."Slowly, I realised I was running two households," Christine says."I was doing all their bills; I had more contact with their GP than mine."As Beryl's health deteriorated and Christine tried to manage her mother's palliative care long-distance alongside managing her own life, she says she eventually reached breaking emotional, Christine explains: "There were times I just wanted my mum to die because she was suffering." Having packed for her latest trip to the South, Christine takes one train into Leeds city centre and then another one to London, before finally getting the tube to her father's house. By the time she returns to Leeds, she will have been travelling for more than nine hours, all so she can accompany her father to a 10-minute appointment at a nearby pacemaker says she has been lucky to have a "really loving" relationship with her parents, but at times she has found it overwhelming trying to support them to stay at home alongside continuing her own to Dr Jackie Gray, Christine is far from Gray, a retired GP and public health consultant based in Northumberland, says she has watched the role adult children play in ageing parents' lives change "dramatically" over the course of her career. She explains that when she first qualified, it was rare to see people living past 75."But, medical advancements, people living and working longer, as well as living further away from their parents, has caused a kind of perfect storm - a societal shift," she 2020, after seeing increasing numbers of patients - usually women, she says - struggle with caring for their parents, Dr Gray launched the Carents Room website, offering forums and information. Dr Gray says "nobody really knows" how many "carents" there are, but a 2023 King's Fund report suggested that about 57% of unpaid carers were looking after a parent or means there could be up to four million people in this position in England alone, she says.A recent Carents Room survey of at least 1,000 members found more than half provided about 20 hours of care a week. Meanwhile, 70% said they had reduced their working hours or left work altogether so they could care for their to Dr Gray, family relationships can be complex and older people can find the idea of their children as carers upsetting - as can the grown-up children with siblings can also be fraught, she Dr Gray points out that "carents" can often struggle with what she calls a sense of "anticipatory grief".All of this means the support group she set up has seen a rise in people seeking help."We have a signed-up community of about 40,000 people, and that is growing by almost 100 people a day," she themes, including struggling with "life admin", appointments, travel, and balancing work commitments all emerge from the online forums and focus groups, Dr Gray explains. 'Practical solutions' According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), there were an estimated 1.4 million so-called "sandwich" carers - people who provide care for sick, disabled, or older adult relatives as well as for dependent children - in the UK between 2021 and ONS found that 61% of "sandwich" carers were also found that in England, the North East had the highest proportion of unpaid carers, at 10.1%, compared to other regions, as well as the highest proportion of people providing 50 or more hours of according to figures compiled by Carers UK, in England and Wales, unpaid carers provided care worth £183bn in 2021-22 - an increase of £64.9bn since Gray says that each family affected in this way has its own set of circumstances and, crucially, each family member has their own feelings about the as the population lives longer and with more health needs, and with women also now expected to work for longer, the state's reliance on families to protect an already creaking social care system Gray says recognition and support are key."It can be hard for an adult child to accept they are a carer," she says."But once you've got that recognition in place and people feel heard, I think we're looking at really practical solutions," she says. Dr Gray explains that "coordinating healthcare" and "opportunities for respite care" could help people like Christine who care for elderly relatives. She adds that she believes "some sort of commissioner, a commissioner for frailty, perhaps" should be introduced by the government. Those taking part in Dr Gray's focus groups say more flexibility in appointment systems, as well as "carental" leave and tax breaks, might also help.A spokesperson for the government said it recognised "the immense contribution of carers who selflessly dedicate their time to supporting others, and want families to receive the support they deserve. "We have increased the Carer's Allowance earnings threshold by around an additional £2,000 a year – the biggest rise since it was introduced in 1976."We have also launched an independent review into social care, which will include exploring the needs of unpaid carers who provide vital care and support."Back in Leeds after her 400-mile round trip taking her father to his appointment, Christine Bell says at times she found it hard to think of herself as carer to her parents."I am, because without me, their house wouldn't have run, they wouldn't have had the care that they need," she says."But I want to be a daughter, first and foremost."Additional reporting by Philippa Goymer Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
BBC News
29-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
How son of Man City cult hero is 'creating his own name'
He is the son of a Manchester City cult hero and was named after a club played in Norway youth teams with Erling Haaland, whose father also played for while Haaland shot to stardom, Colin Rosler has had to take a different path to carve out his career."Since a young age, I've tried to create my own name," he tells BBC Sport. "I've tried to be my own person and not rely on my dad."Now 25, the tough-tackling centre-back is finally stepping out of the shadows and making a name for the past seven months Rosler has become a league champion and a full international and, by chance, his old friend Erling was there to share both moments. Signing for Man City was a 'dream come true' A hard-working striker, Uwe Rosler represented East Germany before becoming a fans' favourite at City between 1994 and Norwegian wife later gave birth to two sons and such is Rosler's connection with the club, he named them after City legends Colin Bell and Tony Rosler was born in Berlin in 2000, before his father played and managed in Norway. After the family moved to England in 2010, the boys would often meet their namesakes at Etihad Stadium."It's an honour to be named after such a legend at City," says Colin Rosler."I'd always have a laugh about my name with Colin - and my brother with Tony Book - and it was always great to see them and hear more about the club's history."Perhaps it was inevitable, but Colin "loved City from an early age" so it was a "dream come true" to earn a place in the Blues' academy in 2010. Colin plays at the opposite end of the pitch to his father, but the City coaches soon noticed one similarity."Even as a 10-year-old, I was already an aggressive defender," says Colin. "I just wanted to smash people."My mum says all the time that we look the same on the pitch, and I have a similar temperament to him."And although Colin progressed through the City and Norway age groups, Uwe knew the chance of his son – or any academy product – making it to the first team was very slim."I am not sure all of them know it, but my one does," he told BBC Sport in 2013."What you get from City is a very good football education and, if you work hard, you can make a living from football elsewhere."After making five EFL Trophy appearances with City, Colin decided to give that a go, making a permanent exit at 19 rather than going out on loan. 'I wanted to push myself, see what I'm made of' Having been born in Germany before growing up in Norway and England, Colin felt equipped to go it alone overseas, and in August 2019 he joined Dutch side NAC Breda."Leaving City wasn't the easiest choice, but it's one I felt I had to make," he says. "It was going to be a culture shock and a new challenge, but I'm good at adapting quickly and learning new things."And I learned a huge amount in Holland - living by myself, playing in the first team, not speaking the language."You have to go in there, take charge and be the man that you are. I learned quickly that it's all about winning."He spent the 2022 season with Norwegian side Lillestrom, before joining Mjallby, a Swedish club that is "not as well-known and sort of in the middle of nowhere"."That was probably the best decision I've made," says Colin. "It came at the right time in my career because I could just focus on football."I became a leader, played every game and gained even more experience. Then you feel like you have to make that next step. I wanted to push myself, see what I'm made of, and when you're playing in Sweden and Malmo comes calling, you listen." Haaland attends 'chaotic' title win Malmo are arguably the biggest club in Scandinavia but had just suffered a mid-season wobble when they signed Rosler last meant a reunion with Malmo striker Erik Botheim, who came through Norway's youth teams alongside him and Erling first met Haaland when they played for Norway's Under-15s in 2015 and they had one rare fact in common."We talked about that instantly, that we're both Blues and our dads played there," says Rosler."I remember we both said that it's our dream to play for City. Obviously he's gone on to do that and it's just incredible to see how well he's done there. He's become an absolute monster."Botheim and Haaland remain close friends so when Malmo had a chance to clinch the Swedish title last October, Haaland chose to miss the Ballon d'Or ceremony and watch Malmo fight back for a 2-1 win over Gothenburg."He almost got more attention than us winning the league!" says Rosler."He's got a busy schedule so the fact he made that effort to come here and show his support was fun to see."We turned it around in the second half and 10,000 people stormed on to the pitch. It was absolute chaos. To win my first title was something I've been chasing so I'll remember it for the rest of my life." 'There's no correct way, everybody has a different path' Rosler then came off the bench for Norway in November and it was Haaland he replaced - nine years after they made their U15s debut together."I thought about that actually, that it would be a nice picture," says Rosler."We've known each other for so long and, yeah, I made my senior debut a bit later than him, but that's something that's so interesting in football."There's no correct way. Everybody has a different path. I've had a lot of challenges in my short career, but I've also had a lot of incredible times."To win the league and represent my country, it's something I've worked towards for a very long time, and it was a very proud moment for me and my family."Rosler remains a regular for Malmo and could win another trophy as they face Hacken in the Swedish Cup final on Thursday (14:00 BST).He has also been named in Norway's squad for next week's World Cup qualifiers against Italy and while Rosler has forged his own path, he is "extremely thankful" for his father's advice along the way."He's been through the same things so we can talk about them," he adds. "It's something that's maybe given me an advantage over others, but I have to use that."
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Independent
‘Unique' Kevin De Bruyne leaves Man City with an impossible question
It will be Kevin De Bruyne 's night. Although, in some respects, it doesn't really sound like his kind of occasion. De Bruyne has been Manchester City 's down-to-earth superstar, the footballer who does the school run. There will be a light show after his final game at the Etihad Stadium. When De Bruyne's name has been up in lights, it has tended to be because of talent, rather than preference, due to the way he manipulates a ball rather than chases fame. He might not have chosen this, just as he didn't choose to leave this year. But a farewell involves a recognition, a celebration. Of a decade that has brought 19 trophies, 108 goals, 173 assists, moments that no one else could imagine, let alone produce. There will be a guard of honour from his teammates and a lap of appreciation, pyrotechnics and presents, some handed over by Marie and Jon Bell, the wife and son of Colin. Their late husband and father long had the status of City's greatest player. Now that probably rests with De Bruyne. So City will pay their tribute. What it might not include, however, is a valedictory start on a ground he has graced. Pep Guardiola stopped short of promising it, or even guaranteeing him a cameo. It may not be his night on the pitch. De Bruyne's time in England has seen City become the outstanding side in Europe. Now they sit sixth in the Premier League, needing to finish as one of the five best. 'What Kevin wants is that we win the game to qualify for the Champions League,' said Guardiola, implying the leaving present could come from the player to the club. For most of that decade, selecting De Bruyne would be the best way to decide a meeting with Bournemouth. But his ageing legs were required for over 100 minutes in the FA Cup final, Guardiola is working out whether his optimum gameplan ties in with De Bruyne's perfect goodbye. The Jamie Vardy party at Leicester on Sunday came with nothing at stake, this when the consequences are considerable. So Guardiola has to decide if De Bruyne is in Tuesday's team. In another respect, he could figure in his all-time team. As he casts his mind back across more than three decades' involvement with world-class footballers, whether as player and manager, he believes the Belgian belongs among the best passers. He played with Ronald Koeman and Michael Laudrup. He managed the masters of tiki-taka, Xavi and Andres Iniesta and Sergio Busquets, at Barcelona. He went to Bayern Munich, with Philipp Lahm, Thiago Alcantara and Bastian Schweinsteiger. His City midfields have included Ilkay Gundogan, Rodri, David and Bernardo Silva. Each excelled at passing the ball. And De Bruyne? 'He's one of the best three I have ever seen that I ever played or dealt with,' Guardiola said. Which prompted the question of who the other two are, even if part of the answer was obvious. 'One is [Lionel] Messi, and the other two; let me think about it... okay, let me put Kevin second,' said a manager who will invariably put Messi first in almost every category. 'Messi is the best I've ever seen because Messi has done it really, really close to the box but Kevin is there,' Guardiola continued. 'It's just the stats, the goals, the assists, that he provides to the team in the final third, the talent. In the last game [the FA Cup final] he had two or three passes again, [to put] one player in front of the keeper. That is unique, that's why he has been one of the best players this club has had in the whole history. These are big, big words because he's been a special player.' If there is a distinction, Guardiola was talking about a type of passer. Busquets, Xavi and Iniesta would play more passes in a game than De Bruyne, and with a higher completion rate, too. Perhaps, in his heyday, Guardiola himself would, too. But, like Messi, De Bruyne is a creative passer, the man who can provide the final ball, who can unlock a defence with piercing vision and incisive inspiration. As Guardiola suggested, De Bruyne does it from further out: few have his ability to whip, bend, curl and place a pass from 30 or 40 yards There have been hints of David Beckham about it, a touch of Steven Gerrard, a devastating impact Guardiola put second only to Messi's. All of which renders the summer task for the manager, and the departing and incoming sporting directors, Txiki Begiristain and Hugo Viana, borderline impossible. How do they find a successor to a player Guardiola called unique? 'There are players who are really difficult to replace, really, really difficult for many reasons,' mused Guardiola. 'We know that. Of course we have to move forward.' He hopes it will be in the Champions League and knows it will without De Bruyne. Those potential replacements could include Florian Wirtz, Tijjani Reinders or Morgan Gibbs-White. Each is a fine footballer, one with a capacity to create and the ability to score. But the common denominator is that none is De Bruyne, the passer Guardiola ranks second only to Messi.
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
De Bruyne to get Man City farewell in last home game
Departing midfielder Kevin de Bruyne will receive a farewell from Manchester City after his final home game against Bournemouth on Belgian announced last month he will leave City after 10 years when his contract expires at the end of the 33-year-old has won 16 trophies since joining from Bundesliga club Wolfsburg in 2015, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League in Bruyne, though, missed the opportunity to bring his City career to a dream finish when they lost Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Pep Guardiola did not confirm whether De Bruyne would start against Bournemouth, saying: "Kevin will get what he deserves. That is the best compliment for his incredible trajectory."What he has done with other legends in the club, it would not have been possible since Sheikh Mansour took over the club to reach another level."The game will be his last at Etihad Stadium and he will be afforded a guard of honour from team-mates at coaches at Bruyne will give a short speech on the pitch and be presented with gifts by the wife and son of late club legend Colin Bell, before heading on a lap of appreciation with the other end the campaign with a trip to Fulham on Sunday (16:00 BST), which is likely to be De Bruyne's last game for the side compete in this summer's Club World Cup in the USA, which starts on 14 June, but De Bruyne said he "probably" will not play in the tournament for City as injury could scupper plans to find a new club.
The South African
13-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Puma launches sashy and sexy Man City home kit
Global sports company PUMA and Man City have today unveiled the 2025/26 Home kit. For the first time in the Club's history, the Home kit features the famous 'sash' – the diagonal stripe design made iconic on previous City away days. Puma launched the kit today priced at R1399 for the standard adult replica version. Fans can buy it at from 13 May at all PUMA Retail stores, Totalsports, Sportsmans Warehouse, Studio 88, Takealot, and JD Sports. Alongside the new shirt City also launched a pre-match kit with a white and sky blue pattern, retro-style tracksuit tops and dark blue hoodies as part of the new home kit range. The fresh new iteration of the Home jersey pairs the unmistakable sky-blue City base with a white sash, that has been reimagined for the next generation. First introduced on kits in the 70s and worn by club greats such as Mike Summerbee, Colin Bell, Francis Lee and Tony Book, the sash has a long history on Man City kits. Historically seen on Away kits, this iconic Man City style makes its Home debut for the 25/26 season, creating a connection to the past with a futuristic design, bridging the gap between different generations of Man City fans. Marco Mueller, PUMA's Senior Director of Product Line Management Teamsport Apparel, added: 'We're so excited to be featuring the iconic sash, made famous from away days of old, on the Man City Home kit for the first time. Both in this kit and all our kits for this upcoming season, fans across the world will be reminded that with our partnership we do things differently and want to push the boundaries in terms of design, creativity and innovation'. The Man City jersey is available in both Authentic and Replica versions. The Authentic Jersey, worn by the players, is crafted with PUMA's ULTRAWEAVE fabric, which reduces weight and friction for elite-level performance. The Replica Jersey offers the same striking look with a more relaxed fit, perfect for both match days and everyday wear. Both versions incorporate PUMA's dryCELL sweat-wicking technology to keep fans and players dry and comfortable. Reflecting PUMA's commitment to sustainability, the Replica jerseys are made using the RE:FIBRE initiative, utilizing recycled textile waste to create new materials without compromising quality. Containing at least 95% recycled textile waste and other used polyester materials, this initiative represents a significant step towards a more circular and sustainable production process for football jerseys. The Man City men's first team will wear the new Home kit at this summer's Club World Cup, taking place in the USA. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Man City's new home shirt. Image: Supplied.
