A former estate agent’s petition calling for employers to offer career breaks for parents of seriously ill children has been debated in parliament.

More than 100,000 people signed the petition by Christina, from Rayleigh in Essex, whose personal difficult journey inspired her to take action.

She lost her job of 19 years due to the care needed for her daughter, Skye, who was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in December 2021. She is currently in remission.

The ex-estate agent’s petition was debated in Westminster, external, with further talks to be held before Easter.

The 46-year-old wants to see greater legal protections offered for parents caring for a seriously ill child while trying to keep their job.

Mark Francois, the Conservative MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, echoed his constituent’s concerns during the debate and said he was full of “admiration” for her.

He said Christina’s employer had been “unsympathetic” and more needed to be done to protect people in her position.

Francois, who welcomed Christina and her daughter, Skye, to Westminster last week, said: “When I first met Christina two years ago, she told me that she was determined to achieve 100,000 signatures or more for her petition,” Francois told the meeting.

“It is a very good example of people power in action, and I hope it will yet lead to a positive outcome, not just for Christina but for other families in a serious situation.”

Department for Business and Trade minister Justin Madders said he would meet the mother to discuss her proposals in more detail.

It was hoped the meeting would take place prior to Easter, according to Francois.