A HOOKWOOD man has shared his experiences of caring for his cancer-stricken wife to raise awareness of the support carers provide.
David Mace said it was the worst day of his life when his wife Joan was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. He said: "I never thought of myself as a carer, I am a husband who just wanted to look after his wife."
Mrs Mace added: "If I had a bad day or didn't feel well it was David who had to deal with everything and take it all on board. He has been there for me, 24 hours a day.
"Carers just care without thinking about it – they just get on with it."
The couple are joining specialist nurses at East Surrey Hospital on Tuesday (June 10) to help provide information and support to carers as well as a chance to meet and talk to people in a similar position.
Nurses Chris Turner and Liz Darragh have also invited organisations including The Olive Tree Cancer Support Centre, Crossroads, East Surrey Carers Support Association and Carers Support West Sussex.
Ms Turner said: "These people are unsung heroes. They don't see themselves as a carer, they see it as simply looking after their loved ones and this event is about recognising the care and support they give."
Carers may be family, friends, parents or partners caring for someone with additional needs, an illness, frailty, disability or drug or alcohol problem.
Ms Darragh added: "We hope it will be really helpful to meet people who might be at different stages in their treatment and recovery and can share their experiences."
The event runs 10.30am to 2.30pm.
