'Unpaid carers are like a second NHS - if they ever went on strike we'd be in trouble'

PHIL CORRIGAN meets one of Staffordshire's unpaid carers, and finds out about a new way for those in Stoke-on-Trent to access some vital support

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PHIL Brown became a carer for his wife Alison after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in her 30s.

Like thousands of other unpaid carers in Staffordshire, Phil selflessly provided round-the-clock support for Alison - he simply saw it as doing what any loving husband would do. Alison died in 2018, and Phil now helps to look after his 93-year-old mum. The retired postman also volunteers at North Staffs Carers Association (NSC), who supported him while he cared for Alison. He says he wanted to volunteer for NSC to say 'thank you' for the help he received.

Phil was among those who attended NSC's networking breakfast on Wednesday, one of a series of events organised as part of National Carers Week. The 65-year-old, from Newcastle, believes it is important that the work done by unpaid carers is recognised.