WHEN Sylvia Corbett's husband, Roy, became ill nearly ten years ago neither of them could have anticipated the effect it was to have on their lives.

Like many other people Roy had had a bout of flu just before Christmas but, because he was self-employed, he struggled back to work soon after the festivities. He lasted four days.

He had severe headaches, aching legs and was tired all the time. Some days it was an effort to get out of bed, but when he did he was soon back there.

A year later, after many tests, Roy was diagnosed with severe chronic fatigue, a form of ME and had to face the fact that he would never work again.

"My whole world stopped," said Roy, at his home in Willow Close, Pershore. "I couldn't accept it. I still can't accept it."

Sylvia never questioned the fact that she would have to look after Roy, but did not acknowledge that she had a new role as carer.

"It's now been recognised as very necessary role, even though we are only caring for our loved ones which we would do even if we were not called carers," she said.

"I used to stand at the sink peeling potatoes and the tears would roll down my face. I was terribly stressed at the time."

Sylvia was still working at the horticultural college in Pershore, and Roy had to be registered with Helpline so that he could summon assistance in an emergency when she was not there.

That went on for six years before Sylvia retired, by which time she was suffering from Parkinson's Disease.

"I think it was the stress which caused it," she said.

She does not have any help in the home, preferring to potter around herself, though she has to rely on neighbours to mow the lawns and the internet for shopping.

"It's awful the days I'm not very well, and I wonder about the future," she said.

Sylvia and Roy, now aged 63 and 65 respectively, have been married for 43 years and have two sons and four grandchildren.

As well as family and friends they are supported by the Worcestershire Association of Carers and attend monthly meetings at Roland Rutter Court, in Pershore. Sylvia also attends monthly meetings at a Parkinson's group in Evesham.

"When we go to the carers' meetings and there are people in similar situations, or perhaps worse, and you realise you are not the only one.

"We have some wonderful friends and neighbours, and we have had a lot of support. But one thing which has been lacking is a designated person pulling everything together. We have excellent support, don't get me wrong, but it has come from different areas and it gets a bit entangled."

Sylvia advises anyone in her position to join the Carers' Association and take whatever help they can get.

"It is important to keep a positive outlook, too," she said.

The Worcestershire Carers' Association is hosting an information day tomorrow to mark Carers' Rights Day.

It will take place at Evesham Public Hall between 10am and 3pm.