DISABLED & SICK INTO POVERTY

Nicola Holmes is a full-time carer for her two disabled kids. Son Ethan, 18, has Down's and autism. Daughter Ella, 16, is also autistic.

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Nicola, of Tewkesbury, Glos, relies on electrician husband Wayne's wages, PIP, universal credit and a carer's allowance.

The 55-year-old said: "I feel completely abandoned by a system supposed to protect us. Disability should not be scored by numbers.

"We are exhausted, financially drained. These cuts won't make life harder. They will make it impossible.

"It feels like the lives of disabled people, and those of us who care for them, simply don't matter anymore."

Vincent Williams has cystic fibrosis, autism and scoliosis.

The 20-year-old student told how PIP is her lifeline, while mum Angie fears the cuts could cause people to take their own lives.

Vincent said: "If it's taken away I won't be able to afford to live. I've been applying for summer jobs, but I'm not even getting a response.