A survey of 2,000 carers throughout the UK has highlighted the effects caring can have on not just relationships and finance – but on health too.

And the conclusion is that carers simply cannot afford to be ill.

More than three quarters of those questioned reported worsening health as a result of the strain of caring with a staggering 95 per cent saying they regularly disguised the fact their health was suffering in order to continue with their caring responsibilities.

Almost three quarters admitted they had not been able to take at least one week's holiday or get any free time.

Stefan and Jeanette Bedford, of Todmorden who care devotedly round the clock for their nine-year-old daughter Rebecca know as much as anyone the importance of being able to spend some time together.

"We never go out in an evening because Rebecca needs care all the time and because of her condition she cannot communicate with anyone to let them know if she was feeling upset or uncomfortable. We have come to know every little change in her and can interpret how she is feeling and what she needs," explains Stefan.

"But when Rebecca is at her school during the day then that's the time that Jeanette and I might grab some time together, go out for lunch or something like that," he adds.

Rebecca's condition has never been diagnosed despite lots of tests at Great Ormond Street Hospital but she has a degenerative neurological condition which means that she is deaf and is also unable to speak. Rebecca is also registered blind and movement down her left side is affected.

She attends Wood-bank Special School – and also has another carer, her younger brother Christian, aged just five.

"He is a star and he is brilliant with her. He know she is different and when people come to the house he tells them about her and that the best way to communicate with her is to touch her," says Stefan.

"When we go on holiday it is as a family and we go to Martin House Hospice which means we can have some respite. The staff are wonderful and can care for Rebecca during the night so that means Jeanette and I can have a rest. But you just accept it as a way of life when you are caring for someone. This is the way life has to be."

Both Stefan and Jeanette are active members of Calder-dale Carers Project and Stefan says that belonging to the group can bring great support for those involved.

"We have made lots of friends and met other families. Just knowing others are going through the similar experiences to yourself is a help. You can give each other guidance about benefits and support and so on.
It does make a difference," he says.

A number of celebrities have thrown their weight behind this year's National Carers Week, including TV presenter Paul O'Grady who has had personal experience of caring.

"I was surprised to learn that six in 10 of us from all walks of life will become carers at some point in our lives," he says.

Actor David Jason has also cared for a loved one. "I know how difficult it can be. Some carers do not get the opportunity to do things we all take for granted, like spending time with friends at the weekends," he says.

Actress Pam Ferris has visited Parliament to promote the event.
Best known for her roles as Ma Larkin in The Darling Buds of May and Aunt Marge in the Harry Potter films, she is now vice president of The Princess Royal Trust For Carers.

"I'm happy to be involved and raising awareness of the many issues that affect carers which often add further difficulties and anxieties to their lives."

Project manager of Calderdale Carers Project Lynn Ward adds: "We want to make carers in Calderdale aware of local support and services and ensure they know they never have to suffer in silence."

• Calderdale Carers Project can be contacted on 01422 369101.

Carers twice as likely to suffer poor health and disabilities