Sharon Hodgson MP pledged her support for families with disabled children at an event organised by charity Contact a Family at the Houses of Parliament last week.

Sharon pictured here with Maureen Morris and her daughter Caitlin.

"Contact a Family" – a national charity that supports families with disabled children regardless of their condition - organised the "Meet My Family reception" to give families the opportunity to meet with local MPs and tell them more about their experiences of caring for disabled children - and what they would like to see from MPs in the next five years.

Speaking after the event Sharon said:

“The reception was a great opportunity to meet with families to find out more about the day-to-day realities of caring for disabled children.  It’s really important to remember that families with disabled children give huge amounts back to our community and economy in so many different ways and it was fantastic to be able to celebrate this."

"I’m proud to pledge my support to secure a brighter future for the growing population of disabled children, and I will make sure the contribution these families make is properly highlighted in the years ahead.”

Amanda Batten, Chief Executive of Contact a Family, said:

“As it is the start of a new Parliament we thought it was a great opportunity to bring together MPs with families to hear, first-hand, what life is like if you have disabled children to care for.

“Too often the fantastic contribution that the secret army of parent carers make to their communities and the economy is overshadowed by poverty, isolation and misunderstanding.  Their contribution also often comes at a high personal cost in terms of income, relationships and health.  Contact a Family wants to change this, to celebrate this invaluable contribution and work together with families to help MPs understand the realities of family life with disabled children.”

• "Contact a Family" supports families with disabled children whatever their child’s condition, wherever they are in the UK, we’re there from the start and we’re there whenever they need us.

• Call there Freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555.  For further information visit  www.cafamily.org.uk