A new service which will help support people who look after ill relatives is being launched in Lewisham. Reporter SAMANTHA PAYNE speaks to carer Christine Rich who explains how the service will make a difference to her life ...

MANY of us do not know how lucky we are to be fit and healthy.

Stepping into the world of carers, you realise the importance they play in people's lives.

Christine Rich has been looking after her husband Terry, 57, since he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) eight years ago.

MS is an incapacitating and incurable disease which affects the central nervous system.

Mr Rich needs help in every area of daily living from washing to eating, because he is now bedridden.

His wife is one of many people to benefit from a new Macmillan care support worker.

There are 10 workers in total, who will provide up to 160 hours' support a week.

The Macmillan Palliative Care Service is a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Relief and voluntary organisation Crossroads Greenwich and Lewisham.

Crossroads has been providing respite breaks to carers of people with a wide range of illnesses in Lewisham for more than 15 years and in Greenwich since 1997.

The specialised palliative service will be officially launched by Lewisham Mayor Steve Bullock at Lewisham Town Hall on November 28.

Macmillan Cancer Relief will fund the £450,000 project over the next three years and Crossroads will be providing the service.

The 24-hour scheme hopes to reduce the daily pressures faced by carers by providing practical help and social and emotional support.

It is welcome news for Mrs Rich she originally lost her support worker when Crossroads lost its contract with Lewisham Social Services in March who now has Rufina Abraham.

Mrs Rich said: "I'm really pleased to have more support. Rufina makes such a difference when she visits our house.

"Other ordinary carers come in and do their job but when Rufina comes she has a different attitude. She sits and talks with Terry and has more of a rapport with him."

With carers supporting Mrs Rich she is able to have a life outside of caring for Terry.

The 57-year-old of Pelinore Road, Catford, who also works as a teaching assistant, said: "I have a bit more freedom and have peace of mind. When Rufina comes if I want to pop out and do some shopping or go to the pictures I can."

When asked about the emotional impact of caring for Terry, she added: "I take each day as it comes.

"I can't praise the work of Macmillan support staff enough.

"It's great to have someone to talk to and someone who can understand what you are going through."

Miss Abraham, 45, from Catford, who has worked in respite care for more than 20 years, said: "It's a really rewarding job. It makes me look at my own life and mortality.

"I appreciate life much more, it makes you appreciate every second, every minute and every hour and be thankful for good health.

"This new service is such a good thing. I really hope more and more support workers will come on board.

"I treat clients like my own family and respect each one of them."

Crossroads director Jenny Ochera said: "We are extremely grateful to Macmillan for giving us this funding which will enable us to get this project going in Lewisham.

"This service will provide the support families need to be able to keep their relatives at home in familiar surroundings."

For more information about the new scheme based in Wildfell Road, Catford, call 020 8690 8554.