Isolated carer finds friends and support online

Joining Facebook was a priority for single-parent Pete Taylor when he went online for the first time last week.

As a full-time carer for his 27-year-old son Russell, who suffers with a rare terminal illness, adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), he's found that his "social life has gone out of the window. But since I put myself on Facebook, people I haven't seen for over 20 years are now phoning me up, I've met new friends and can arrange dates. It sounds daft but having the internet gives you something to look forward to."

Pete's a self-confessed technology-phobe but in less than a week has learnt how to post items online: "I don't mess about! I've already stuck pictures of a recent weekend at Butlins on Facebook."

In addition to enjoying the "bit of escapism" which the social-networking aspects of the web offer, Pete has also been using it to help with his caring responsibilities and has joined online ALD support groups. "There's no cure for Russ's illness and it's really rare but now I can stay in touch with other people in the same boat, share advice," he explains.

"Every day I keep thinking of things I can do online to make my life easier. If I get a letter from the hospital, for instance, I can just reply by email. I've even been shopping online. I need to buy a bed and was about to put my coat on and run around the shops when I thought 'Hang about, I've got a computer here."

Pete had been considering getting the internet installed for a while but feared it would be complicated and expensive. So when a local initiative, the Knowle West Web Project funded by Bristol city council, offered him a free computer, wireless and training he was delighted.

"It was a lucky day, to say the least. I'll be on the internet every day now. It's already a necessity."