Arundel husband’s plea for respite from caring role

Peter Purdy, of Chichester Road, Arundel, says he often goes days without sleep because his wife Teresa’s various conditions mean she requires round-the-clock care.

The 62-year-old has been a full-time carer for Teresa, 73, since March last year after she suffered a cardiac arrest, an anoxic brain injury and double pneumonia.

Teresa, who had parts of her neck and throat removed 20 years ago when she was diagnosed with cancer, is wheelchair-bound and requires chest suction and to be fed through a tube.

She is allocated a weekly budget by West Sussex County Council to contribute towards the cost of care.

But because the use of the suction tube machine requires specialist training, the carer who helps Peter cannot be left alone in case the machine, which he is trained to operate, is needed by Teresa.

For the full story, read the November 28 edition of the Littlehampton Gazette.