Published: January 27, 2012

THE severely disabled daughter of a woman who received an OBE from the Queen was forced to undergo a “humiliating” government test to see if she was eligible to work.

The hour-long examination was conducted even though wheelchair user Victoria Willson, 42, is so profoundly disabled that her only means of communication is by raising her eyebrows or making small sounds.

Her mother Jean Willson, 70, a writer and trained social worker, spoke about the ordeal as part of her campaign to raise awareness for Britain’s 6.5million family carers – all non-paid volunteers – who are believed to save the NHS £119billion a year.

Barnsbury woman Mrs Willson, who is vice-chairwoman of Holloway-based Centre 404, the borough’s disablement co-ordinating organisation, went to Buckingham Palace two months ago to receive the OBE for her work over 40 years with children with learning difficulties.

She said: “Getting the OBE was recognition for all the 1,000 family carers in Islington who often single handedly have to sacrifice and put their lives on hold while they look after a loved one.

“These are extremely tough times for our family carers, as already we have to prove just how ‘disabled’ our sons and daughters are. My daughter, although obviously severely disabled, had to prove that she was not in fact eligible for work to the Department of Work and Pensions. This can be a very humiliating experience for some of our people.

“We know we will have to face even more changes coming up in benefits, housing and the NHS, so I and people at Centre 404 will have to work even harder to make sure our members have the right information at the right time.”

Mrs Willson, who received a “Woman of the Year” award from Dame Helena Kennedy QC two years ago, wrote an inspirational book called Home at Last which revealed how she coped with Victoria’s disability at a time when there was very little support.

Victoria was born with a condition called tuberous sclerosis, which causes growths on the brain.

Mrs Willson is also chairwoman of fundraising for Centre 404’s Building our Future Campaign, which is currently having a £1.5million refurbishment of its building in Camden Road and is due to re-open in May this year.

“We are very keen to hear from Islington people and sponsors,” she added.

• Visit www.centre404.org.uk or call Amy Curtis on 0207 607 8762