A WORCESTER charity working with patients with life-threatening conditions is applauding family members who work tirelessly to care for their loved ones.

During this week’s national Carer’s Week St Richard’s Hospice is highlighting not only the importance of the work carried out by those who look after family members with long-term illnesses or conditions, but also the need to make sure they are given all the care and support they need.

As part of its work to support carers the runs a special group where they can meet others in the same position and share their feelings and experiences this week is holding a special tea party to help them take some time away from their responsibilities and relax.

Yvonne Green cares for her husband Chris, who has terminal brain cancer and is being cared for through the hospice, and said the support of the charity had been invaluable.

“When my husband was first diagnosed with his brain tumour it was something that came completely out of the blue,” she said. “He was a fit man, a well man, never been ill and suddenly he had this big seizure and it was three months later we had this diagnosis of brain tumour and told it was terminal.”

Mrs Green said she had joined the St Richard’s carers group after realising she would need support and guidance in looking after her husband.

“It’s really quite scary this journey you are on,” she said.

“I was a bit scared meeting new people and coming into a new group setting feeling anxious.

“But I've made some marvellous new friends and it's like a lifeline.

“Somewhere I come and I feel safe to talk about what I'm experiencing at home in confidence and sharing knowledge and experiences with other people going through the same things you are.”

Carers Week is a national campaign working to raise awareness of caring, to highlight challenges faced by carers and to recognise the contribution they make to their families and communities.

St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care and support for more than 2,600 patients living with life-threatening conditions and their families every year.

The charity runs a day hospice as well as a 17-bed, 24-hour inpatient unit in Wildwood Drive.

For more information call 01905 763963 or visit www.strichards.org.uk.