His days working as a lorry driver were over – and now he was to take up a far more demanding and stressful job.

Ronnie's wife Ann had been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis for a number of years, but her condition had detiorated to such an extent that he would need to stay at home and become a full-time carer.

The 62-year-old from Falkirk, joined the nearly six million people across the country, who, without payment, provide help and support to someone who could not manage without their help.

It is a difficult and stressful transition for anyone, as Ronnie discovered.

"It was a massive change in my life," he explained. ''Before I used to be able to sit and stare out of the lorry window, watch the world whizz past and be my own boss.

"Then you go to living inside a confined space all the time and where the wife is the boss."

Together with the change in lifestyle, Ronnie also had to cope with the daily physical and mental demands.

"Ann is only able to move her left hand, so I have to do everything throughout the day from when she wakes up.

''She can sit and watch the TV and change the channel with the remote but that's about it.

"I have to help her with things such as washing, dressing, lifting her in and out of her wheelchair and cooking. And during the night, I also get up to change her position and try to make her feel more
comfortable."

The stark implications of Ronnie's efforts and that of other carers have been highlighted in a nationwide study this week. To mark Carers'

Week, a survey by the charity has revealed that carers are actually putting their own health at risk by devoting their time and energy to looking after a loved one.

The survey found that 77 per cent of those questioned thought their health was worse as a result of the strain of caring.

More worryingly, 95 per cent said they regularly covered up the fact that their health was suffering in order to continue with their caring responsibilities. One in five also admitted that they ignored feeling ill all the time.

It is a scenario that Ronnie Blackadder can easily relate too.
"Any problems you have are secondary to the problems of Ann," he said..

"You can wake up with a cold and not want to get out of bed, or have a
sore back, but you just have to plough on throughout.

"This is the same for every carer as you are always making sure they take first priority.''

He added: "Looking after Ann means than I don't really get out much. I think the longest I would ever leave her is two hours."

However, once a month Ronnie does get a respite break when he attends the local Princess Royal Trust men's carer group.

On the first Tuesday of every month a group of male carers in the Falkirk area gather in St Modan's Church Hall for a few hours to have lunch, enjoy a blether and plan a regular outing.

Ronnie said: "My daughter comes along and looks after Ann for a few hours and gives me a break.

"The trust allow us to arrange things for ourselves, so we have organised trips to places like distilleries, castles, art galleries and museums.

"It's great as it gives you something to look forward to.

"As soon as you go in on the day, there are plenty of jokes flying around and everyone has a laugh."

Now the Carers' Week charity is hoping to reach out to "hidden carers" in a bid to ensure they know where to find support, and Ronnie has echoed their message.

"Life can be difficult for carers but there is help out there, so I would say to them to contact your local carers' centre," he said.

For more information on the services and support available to local carers contact 01324 611510 or log on to the website www.carersfalkirk.org.uk