A FAMILY in Llanerfyl have managed to stay together while at the same time shielding from coronavirus after strangers answered their call for help and donated a caravan.

Sam Bowen, an A&E nurse, has multiple sclerosis and has had chemotherapy, putting her in the category of people who are vulnerable to the virus. She has had to go into isolation and shield herself.

But because her husband Sean works with children in care, a role which can’t be carried out at home, the family feared that he could bring the virus home with him.

Now, after an online appeal, a local person has donated a caravan for the family to keep on their drive, allowing Sean to live close to his three step-children and his wife.

“He was going to move out completely,” said Sam, who is full of admiration and praise for her husband.

“Sean works with children who have had a really, really hard time. He could have just not gone to work and used me as the excuse. But it shows the people he works with that they are important and that he would be prepared to do that. I think that’s really important.”

Already, they are finding it hard. They may be able to talk, but they can’t touch.

“It’s horrible, it’s absolutely horrible,” Sam said. “There can’t be anything worse – not being able to hug and hold your children, not being able to hug and hold your wife as you normally do.

“I keep having to fill the empty space in my bed with a pillow. It’s odd.”

For the children, three boys, aged 11, 12 and 14, it can be difficult for them not to have that father figure they’re used to. Sean also has three other children who live elsewhere.

“I never wanted him to leave,” said 11-year-old Rory, hearing his mum talking about what it’s been like. “It’s been very hard on all of us,” Sam said.

“It’s particularly hard on Sean,” Sam acknowledges. “He’s away from his family. He’s the one who’s on his own,” she said.

“I know I say the kids can be annoying and even though I’m just on the drive I do miss them. I’m getting lots of peace and quiet but it’s almost too quiet,” he said.

“They know I’m only outside if they need me. It’s something that’s got to be done.”

When the family put out the Facebook status asking if anyone had a caravan going spare, Sean said he was “blown away” by the response.

The first person to come forward – Cara Rawsthorn – couldn’t get theirs out of storage. When the message was put out further, with the help of local county councillor Myfanwy Alexander another caravan was offered by Claire Francis.

“I was a bit blown away to be honest. I think it’s where we are. Where I’m from, this wouldn’t have happened – or it would take a while to find one. Everyone around here is so friendly,” Sean said.

Sean talks about the importance of the work he does, especially at a time like now. “Abuse still goes on and it’s going to get worse because the children can’t get away from it,” he explained.

His wife doesn’t think the work Sean and his colleagues do gets the recognition it deserves. Sam added: “When we clap for our carers we mainly think about the NHS. No one thinks about what people in social care do. They’re really underrated.” They rescue children from the most horrific situations; from criminals really, from want of a better word.

“They’re risking their lives with the work every day just as much as people who work in health care.”

The couple know that they should have acted sooner in shielding Sam from the virus. Now, as they adjust to their unique life in lockdown, they’ve got no idea exactly how long they’ve go to go on like this for. But it’s more important than not having hugs or kisses. It’s to protect Sam, and to continue giving those young people in care the support when they need it the most.