15 June 2010Last updated at 08:34

In pictures: Mother's love

Isabel Traynor, 50, lives in the Clydebank area of Glasgow. On a typical day she spends at least 10 hours caring for her disabled son Jordan, 14. She usually gets up between 3am and 5am, depending on when he wakes.

Her first job is to bathe him, apply medical creams for his skin conditions and then get him dressed for the day.

Isabel brushes Jordan's teeth before he goes to school

As well as looking after Jordan, Isabel also has to get breakfast for her other two children.

A recent survey carried out by Carers Week - which is made up of several different charities - showed that huge numbers of carers are left isolated and feeling lonely.

Isabel takes Jordan to the school bus at 8.30am. She then has five hours free to do all the housework and get the shopping in. She also spends a few hours a week volunteering at a local community centre.

Isabel chats to her 15-year-old son, Peter, and 17-year-old daughter, Shenaz, while Jordan is watching TV

After school Isabel has time with her other children, 15-year-old son Peter and 17-year-old daughter Shenaz. Jordan watches TV but doesn't let the others touch the remote control.

The results indicated that 79% of people have been forced to give up leisure activities since becoming a carer.

Isabel massages the palms of Jordan's hands to make him sleepy

Charities estimate that carers save the UK economy around £87bn annually by relieving pressure on health and social services.

Isabel gives Jordan a wash and reapplies his skin creams before he goes to bed

Isabel's final routine includes giving Jordan a wash and reapplying his skin creams before he goes to bed.

Isabel puts Jordan to bed. It takes a while for him to become calm and restful. Almost all carers questioned in the survey agreed a life of their own would be achievable if they received breaks and a decent income. Photographs: Nick Danziger/Oxfam.

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In pictures: Mother's love

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