Julie quit work for disabled daughters

A PAEDIATRIC nurse who was forced to give up work to care for her disabled daughters has spoken out against the stigma of claiming benefits.

- BY JOHN FERGUSON

Julie Beamish’s life changed radically when her eldest Anna was born 28 years ago with a rare genetic disorder.

It left her with no choice but to leave her career in the NHS to become a full-time carer — a shift that brought her face to face with negative attitudes to social security.

Mum-of-four Julie, 53, whose youngest daughter Leila, 17, has the same debilitating condition, said: “As a paediatric nurse, I was very proud of my job - it was part of my identity. I felt a part of society.