It’s been a while! Here at Petition HQ, last week took a bit of a toll on us all, both emotionally and in respect of the active campaigning we were all doing to try and reach as many people as possible ahead of and after the BBC Panorama episode.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who wrote to their elected representatives and have kindly shared the responses their got from their MPs, MSPs, MSs and MLAs - do please keep sharing these with us on social media - post a pic and tag us in! @keyworkerpetuk on Twitter and we are Keyworker Petition U.K. on Facebook (Instagram coming soon).
Today, we wanted to tell you the story about another keyworker with Long Covid, who was really badly affected. She’s kindly given us permission to share her story and Tiktok account with you here, as she’s made short videos about her experience. You can find those here
When I asked her about sharing her videos, due to the level of disbelief, victim blaming and ableism, she said: “I'm happy for you to share my videos I've already had nasty people on my videos I just ignore them and go back to real life so it doesn't affect me I do it to help”
Emma’s story:
”We lost all our savings waiting 8 months for benefits. I have carers 2x a day to help me wash and dress and make me food. My inlaws have to help with chores around the house as Adam also has chronic fatigue from catching covid at the same time as me from his work. I can’t work as I’m too ill and in 24/7 chronic pain. We have never received compensation.
I was an ICU nurse [at the start of the Pandemic] but was working in a different department due to mental health reasons. I got dismissed 4 months after I caught covid without warning or discussion. It went to appeal but was denied as they claimed I would get better in time and wouldn't even leave my contract open. I have severe long covid and a lot of organ damage I ended up in ICU and nearly died.
I caught covid at work due to the lack of PPE as it all got diverted to ICU and HDU.“
We do try to tell people’s stories in their own words. We would encourage you to watch Emma’s videos, as well as those about others with Long Covid.
As always, we want to tell your stories. We want to hear from you about your experiences if you are a keyworker of any kind. We are making plans for International Long Covid Day, so do keep your eyes peeled for that!
In the meantime, thank you again to everyone writing to your elected representatives, local media, sharing the campaign: It means EVERYTHING to know we have you all behind us. Now let’s get to 150,000!