Long serving Shared Lives carers invited to Buckingham Palace for extraordinary commitment
A long‑serving Oxfordshire Shared Lives couple have been invited to Buckingham Palace today (6 May) in recognition of more than two decades of exceptional dedication to caring for a woman with learning disabilities.
Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme supports adults who need extra help to live well by sharing ordinary family homes and communities.
Alison and Larry Garrad, who lived in Oxfordshire for many years and now reside in Bristol, have supported Lin Tai (“Linny”) as part of Oxfordshire County Council’s Shared Lives Scheme since 2002, but their connection with her stretches back much further.
Linny first joined the Clack family at just seven days old, fostered by Alison’s parents. Alison grew up as Linny’s big sister, with the family supporting her to develop skills and independence that specialists once believed might not be possible.
When Eileen and Bob retired from caring in 2002, Alison and Larry stepped forward to ensure Linny could remain with the family she had always known.
At that time, Linny would only speak to Eileen, communicating with everyone else through sounds. Through patience, love and familiarity, she went on to speak with Alison and Larry too.
For the past 24 years, Linny has enjoyed a full and vibrant family life with Alison and Larry and their now‑adult children.
The family have travelled widely together – including regular stretches in the United States when Larry’s work required him to live overseas. As a result, Linny has visited all but three US states, embracing new experiences and building confidence along the way.
Day to day life has been just as meaningful, with Linny enjoying podcasts and audiobooks, a passion for ventriloquists, and growing confidence through swimming, snorkelling and clearer verbal communication.
Now in her fifties, Linny recently took a hugely positive step towards greater independence. In February, she moved into supported living accommodation with full‑time carers and four other residents. She settled in with her trademark resilience and enthusiasm.
For Alison and Larry, who are beginning to think about their own retirement from Shared Lives caring, the transition has been emotional, but they take comfort in knowing they remain an important part of Linny’s life, spending weekends and family time together.
Alison said: “We never set out to do anything remarkable, we simply wanted Linny to remain part of the family who loved her. Watching her grow, learn and experience the world has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.
“Although supporting her move to independent living has been hard for us, we are incredibly proud of her and grateful that we can continue sharing weekends and family time together.
“Being invited to Buckingham Palace is a huge honour, but the real privilege has been having Linny in our lives.”
Councillor Tim Bearder, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Alison and Larry represent everything that makes Shared Lives so special. Their love, commitment and belief in what Linny could achieve have helped her to live a full, meaningful and connected life for more than two decades.
“Their story shows the power of ordinary families doing extraordinary things, and we are delighted that their dedication is being recognised at Buckingham Palace.”
Carers like Alison and Larry open their lives and households to adults who benefit from consistent, personalised support rooted in stability and shared family life.
Find out more about Shared Lives in Oxfordshire and how to get involved.
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