Heatwave brings challenges for vulnerable people

Brian Shields used to "love the heat", but now, living with multiple sclerosis (MS), means the current heatwave can leave him unable to move.

He said high temperatures affect him "hugely", forcing him to stay in the shade or in a cool room to avoid his muscles weakening.

In Northern Ireland on Thursday the highest temperature of the year so far was recorded as 30.8C in Castlederg, County Tyrone.

Heatwave conditions for Northern Ireland were met on Wednesday after 25C was recorded for three days in a row – a threshold set by the Met Office.

"Before my diagnosis, in weather like this I would have been sitting out sunbathing," Brian said.

"But now I have to be in the shade, in a cool room, because otherwise the heat really affects my muscles.

"It would mean I wouldn't be able to lift my arms or lift my legs or do anything, you're just there, but that's just the heat that does it, so I just stay out of it."

MS is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, according to the NHS.

It has a number of symptoms, including extreme fatigue, vision problems, and muscle cramps.

Brian, who lives in Coalisland, receives visits from home carers four times a day.

As well as carrying out their regular duties, carers like Kate McMullan help people like him manage during periods of hot weather.

A community care assistant with Ann's Home Care, she said the soaring temperatures have made conditions more challenging for both carers and the people they support.

"This week and especially today has been quite difficult," she said.

"Making sure that we have plenty of water in the car when we're travelling to see service users, because the cars have been extremely warm.

"When you're in and out of houses for around half an hour at a time, the car can really heat up, so I'm very grateful for air conditioning at the moment. It's been quite tough."

She said many of the people they care for are elderly and struggling with the heat.

"We make sure they have plenty of water and even simple things like closing the blinds when it is peak sunshine can really make a difference," she said.

For Brian, adjusting to avoiding the sun after his diagnosis had been difficult and it has taken him a while to accept that he has to stay out of the sun.

"It's great that people can go out and enjoy it, go to the beach or whatever, but for me it's a completely different story," he said.

"The carers have been brilliant, making sure I have water and helping me cool off. I've good craic with them as well.

"They're telling me we're going to have thunder and lightning later, that's more like it. Welcome to Ireland."