Today sees the start of National Carers Weeks. Reporter Jim Greenhalf spoke to two carers who have devoted their lives to their daughter.

When Kathy Todd was born 32 years ago, the lives of her parents changed forever. Their baby had Downs Syndrome.

Helen and Peter Todd have cared for her at their Wyke home ever since, long past the point where Kathy would be expected to have a family of her own and her own independence.

"It's an extension of babyhood, and you try to add things in to make life worthwhile," Mrs Todd told the T&A.

She was 37 when Kathy was born. Her strong conviction and religious faith helped her to come to terms with the problems and difficulties which lay ahead.

"They should be walking and they're not. They should be talking and they're not. They should be going to school and they're not.

"Downs Syndrome means she's not academically-gifted. She can do simple things like make a sandwich, but she's not into cooking unless she's heavily supervised. She's done some nice cooking at her day centre in Holme Wood.

"She's had a hip replaced so she needs help getting in and out of the bath. She doesn't walk all that well. She can't set off and go somewhere on her own," she added.

Her husband is an ever-present help, taking his wife and daughter out in the car which is an important facet of their quality of life. They can take Kathy to dances and give her as normal a life as possible.

"If we go dancing she knows when it's her turn and when it's ours. She's an agreeable young lady.

"She's a valued member of St Mary's Church. We love her and wouldn't have missed her for the world," added Mrs Todd.

While she has attended meetings of the Bingley and Bradford branch of the Carers' Association, she said the family had always strived to keep their own lives.

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