Hello, wondering if I could get some advice please, I work in a school part time and the last 12 months have my family has had such a run of bad luck, I've had 3 asthma related illness resulted in time off from work, partner has broken his leg, within the same month my eldest son broken his arm and just as he is healing my youngest son has now broken his arm at school today. I've had 2 special leave days already within 12 months, 1 when my car broke down and I had to wait for rac (took 5 hours to get to me and I only work 4 hours a day), then when I was offered a procedure the NHS refused to do and got it done free privately but classed as cosmetic. The last one I asked my boss for unpaid leave and she said she would give it me as a special day. So had an hour off work for my 1st sons fracture clinic app and used toil last month. Next week I have an emergency dentist app and she have I had to make the time up, which I reluctantly agreed. Now with my youngest breaking his arm that will be more appointments. I could truly cry with all the stress I'm under. I'm currently having to help my partner wash and dress daily, plus all the housework, looking after pets, school run, now helping my youngest too. I'm so exhausted and dreading asking my boss for more time off for a hospital app. I physically cannot do anymore overtime. My current stress level is making me ill as it is. Can I ask for unpaid leave? Can she refuse? I would like to add I usually do some work at home during holidays to help out and have worked over when colleagues have been off sick so I am hard working.