Judith Cameron: My life changed dramatically when I was thrust into the world of caring more than seven years ago. My eldest daughter, Sophie, contracted a devastating infection of the brain that resulted in severe disability. This effective loss of my daughter was so painful I wished I had never had children.

Judith Cameron: I am frequently asked: "How's life?" It is a pertinent question for someone recently bereaved. Friends are concerned for my wellbeing, but I find it difficult to reply.

Judith Cameron: Adult care is a chance this mother is not willing to take.

It is very difficult to accept we need to rely on others in our everyday lives, says Judith Cameron.

Petty traffic wardens aside, it is the season of goodwill, says Judith Cameron.

Judith Cameron: Last month, Wendolyn Markcrow was given a suspended sentence for suffocating her son, Patrick. He was 36, had Down's syndrome, and she was his sole carer.

Is it reasonable to expect siblings to take on the heavy burden of Sophie's wellbeing, asks Judith Cameron.

Self-inflicted harm is one of the heaviest blows for a caring parent, says Judith Cameron.

Judith Cameron on a complex holiday.

When you are a carer, you are poorer - and that hits you hard, says Judith Cameron.

The choice that I get, says Judith Cameron, is economy pants and economy care.