IN SICKNESS and in health was the theme of this year's national Carers Week.

It is a motto that Celia Taylor, of Naylor Avenue in Golborne, must know well.

Mrs Taylor, aged 66, has cared for her two children and her husband for more than 30 years.

Her daughter, Karen Selton, now 44, and son, Michael Taylor, now 42, were both born with learning difficulties.

Michael is now in a residential home and Karen lives nearby in supported accommodation.

But, for many years, the retired care assistant looked after the pair every day, while also caring for her husband Lawrence, aged 65, who has bi-polar disorder, a mental health condition associated with depression.

She said: "Caring for my children was very difficult. We didn't get a lot of help when they were young.

"We struggled to get by. In those days there were not the facilities and services there are now.

"My husband suffered a stroke last year, so now I have to help him to dress and he can't walk very far.

"There is never enough time in the day - I think most carers find that."

Mrs Taylor found more support when she moved to Golborne six years ago.

She said: "My husband's problems started when he left the Army. We moved to Lincoln and there was very little advice or support.

"But when I moved here, I was introduced to the Leigh Carers Centre."

Celia formed a carers support group based at the Charles Street centre with friends from an educational course.

It now has almost 30 members, while she has also taken up a voluntary position on a carers helpline.

Carers Week aims to recognise and celebrate the contribution made by the UK's six million unpaid carers, to campaign for better support and services, and to reach out to 'hidden' carers, telling them where support can be found.

For more information call the Leigh carers helpline number on 01942 606806.