IT saved my son’s life.

That is the importance one carer places on a course run by St John’s Ambulance in Dorset.

This week is National Carers’ Week and the organisation is preparing to host a reunion for everyone that has taken part in its Carers Support Programme since it was established seven years ago.

For Stephanie King, who cares for her disabled son, Matthew (both pictured) at their Christchurch home, it really was a lifesaver.

It was in October 2008 when Matthew started choking.

His 67-year-old mum managed to hoist him out of his wheelchair, put him on his knees and perform back slaps and abdominal thrusts.

Despite her efforts, Matthew stopped breathing and she had to start resuscitation.

When she became exhausted, she ran to her neighbours, Ken and Judy Rickman, who phoned for an ambulance.

Paramedics managed to revive Matthew, who has since made a full recovery.

Stephanie said: “If I had not attended the St John Ambulance Carers Support Programme, I would not have known what to do.

“St John Ambulance gave me the knowledge and confidence to help save my son’s life.”

More than 1,200 carers across the county have taken part in the free course and St John’s Ambulance is marking National Carers’ Week, which runs from June 14 to 20, with the A Life of my Own event.

Julie McDermott, the Carers Support Programme lead manager for St John Ambulance in Dorset, said: “Training carers in first aid is very important – being able to deliver basic first aid can be the difference between a life lost and a life saved.”

With almost six million carers in the UK – providing £87 billion worth of unpaid care each year – places on the free course are always in demand and the charity is appealing for donations to help it continue its work.

The free four-session course gives carers a range of help and advice on everything from basic first aid and managing continence to stress management and safer moving and handling to reduce the risk of back injury.

The courses are run in venues across Dorset.

l The event A Life of My Own is at Dorchester Rugby Football Club, Coburg Road, on June 21 from 10am to 3.30pm. For full details contact Kerry Course on 01305 751160, email kerry.course@ dorset.sja.org.uk or visit dorset.sja.org.uk