THE MUM of a boy battling a string of serious medical issues is calling on greater support for parents who are full-time carers.

Emma Sagrott, 36, of Scrub Lane Mews, Hadleigh, has launched an online campaign to get parents of children fighting chronic and serious medical conditions to share their experiences and adive.

Her four year-old son Charlie has lung disease, dysphagia, suspected epilepsy and sleep apnoea.

Everyday life for her involves carrying out medical procedures, such as helping Charlie learn to use an assisted breathing machine.

To kickstart her campaign, Emma has produced a shot video diary highlighting the challenges she faces as a carer for her son.

She is calling on other parents in her situation to do the same.

Emma said: "Through my own experience I was surprised at the lack of support in place for parents.

“Charlie was actually born a healthy baby, and it was only as he started to get older that problems started to unfold. The issue we had was that it’s difficult to get an official diagnosis for his conditions, and it meant it was harder to get access to healthcare services.This means a lot of the care he needs takes place at home.

"There needs to be greater recognition and improved support in place as this affects families all day and everyday. Friday was Carers Rights Day, so it seemed the perfect time to bring this issue forward for other parents in a similar position.”

“I just don't want other families to feel like they’re on their own.”

She is encouraging carers to share their personal stories on social media using hashtag #notanurse_but.

Linda Partridge, director of programmes at Wellchild, a national charity supporting seriously ill children and their families, said the struggles parent carers face often remain hidden.

She added: “These families are not adequately recognised for their professional and personal expertise and the immense practical, emotional and financial strain placed on them.

“Their voice is rarely given appropriate weight in the decision-making process, and this can lead to children not receiving the support they desperately need.

“The gaps in support that currently exist leave many of these families forced to battle through these daily challenges alone, without anyone advocating for them.”

As part of Carers Rights Day, information events took place at Southend Hospital and Basildon Hospital, where carers could find out about the benefits and services available to them.

Figures from Supporting Carers in Essex show there are currently 180,000 people in the county looking after a disabled, older or seriously-ill loved one.