My journey
In 2014, when my daughter Taylor was 14, she was a typical teenager - just starting her GCSEs, an A* student who loved music and going to gigs, full of energy and laughter. She had everything ahead of her.
But after becoming seriously ill with glandular fever, everything changed.
Almost overnight, Taylor struggled to function. The energetic teenager I knew was suddenly overwhelmed by extreme exhaustion, dizziness, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. Even small amounts of activity could leave her completely drained, and getting through a normal school day became impossible.
It was frightening and confusing. No one seemed to understand what was happening - and at the time, I didn’t understand either.
Navigating the unknown
Coming to terms with such a dramatic change was incredibly difficult. I found myself grieving the life Taylor had before, while trying to support her and make sense of an illness I had never heard of.
With so little awareness of the condition, even family members and her school struggled to understand, leaving me feeling isolated as I searched for answers and tried to advocate for her.
At the same time, I was navigating a confusing path - speaking with healthcare professionals, working with the school, and trying to help others understand what we were facing.
I was focused on trying to make Taylor better - encouraging her to get out of bed, pushing her to take part in normal teenage activities.
But without a real understanding this sometimes created distance between us. I struggled to comprehend how someone could be so exhausted that they simply couldn’t get up.
In trying to help, I sometimes pushed too hard, and a divide began to grow.
Life now
As Taylor grew older and began to manage her condition herself, I found myself reflecting deeply on those earlier years.
Looking back, I can see how different things might have been with the right understanding and support.
Now, I use my lived experience to support other parents facing the same challenges. I understand the confusion, the worry, and the pressure to 'fix' something you don’t yet fully understand.
My aim is simple: to help parents feel less alone, better informed, and more confident in supporting their child - while protecting the relationship that matters most.
This is the support I wish I’d had.
Alexa Young
*“Caroline helped me make sense of what was happening in a way no one else had.
I felt so confused by all the conflicting advice, but she explained things clearly and calmly, which gave me so much more confidence in how I support my child.”*
Morgan James
*“Before speaking with Caroline, I felt completely alone and overwhelmed. No one around me seemed to understand what we were going through.
Talking to someone who truly ‘got it’ made such a difference. I finally felt heard, supported, and less alone.”*
Lisa Driver
*“I didn’t realise how much my worry was affecting my relationship with my son. I was trying so hard to help that I was actually pushing too much.
With Caroline’s support, I’ve been able to approach things differently, and our relationship feels so much closer again.”*