A WOMAN who acts as a carer for her disabled brother has called on Boris Johnson to reconsider the Government's decision to stop free lateral flow tests.
Sarah Walker, from Northwich, has started an online petition asking for the tests to continue to be made available to those clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV).
Last month, the Prime Minister announced that universal free lateral tests will end from April 1 as part of the Government's 'living with Covid' plans.
However, for Sarah, the issue is extremely personal, as she acts as a carer to her brother Dan.
She said: "Covid still poses a fatal risk to the vulnerable.
"My brother Dan has profound and multiple learning disabilities and is classed as CEV to Covid.
"We have shielded and my brother didn't leave the house at all for 101 days in 2020.
"The Government advice was to stay indoors and even after shielding officially ended, we were advised to live 'extremely cautiously'.
"We are terrified.
"The very least the Government can do is to maintain free access to LFTs for those classed as CEV and those who provide them support."
With the April 1 deadline just weeks away, Sarah went on to explain just how seriously she takes her role as a carer for Dan.
"As a sibling carer I need to know any friends I meet with have a clear LFT," she added.
"Please don't shut us away again. We are unseen and isolated.
"Dan has support workers coming into his home and needs support with all aspects of his personal care.
"He is not able to wear a mask.
"It is irresponsible for the Government to forget about those who have been hit hardest during this pandemic.
"Keeping free access to LFTs for the vulnerable is essential."
Despite the Covid narrative slipping off the news radar due to the Russian invaision of Ukraine, Sarah hopes families like hers are not forgotten.
"Obviously what is happening in Ukraine is absolutely horrific," she said.
"But in our family the fear of what might happen to us in our own home, hasn't changed.
"We had another brother called Sammy who passed away from the same condition in 2019.
"Asking for LFTs is the very least we can expect."
You can sign Sarah's petition at change.org here.
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