Devoted David is in the running for carer award

A FATHER-of-two has been nominated for a national award for his devotion to caring for his wife.

David Knox, of Dunbar, is up for the title of Carer of the Year and is one of only three people from across the UK competing for the annual award run by brain injury charity Headway.

The 63-year-old has been caring for his wife Anne, who suffered a stroke at the age of 40, since 1992.

Anne spent almost a year in hospital and rehabilitation units. With the lack of suitable care homes, David insisted on quitting his job to look after his wife himself, so she could remain at home with her family.

He said: "I made a promise the day we got married. I said I'd care for her through sickness and in health. There are things I'd like to do but I've forgotten about them now."

He added: "It's just life, you've just got to get on with it."

Anne began to attend Headway East Lothian, a branch of the national charity that provides help to improve life after brain injury. It is here that David believes he met the person who nominated him.

He said: "I think my development officer nominated me, but I'm not sure. I was gobsmacked when the letter was read out.

"It came as a bit of a shock. To me, it's just the way I live my life. I'm just doing what thousands of carers are doing all over the country.

"As long as my wife's happy and the family's happy that's all that concerns me."

David, who was born in West Barns was the youngest of six children. He and Anne were married in 1972.

The couple's two children Isla, 31, and Christopher, 37, who suffers from Asperger's syndrome, live with them in their home in Dunbar.

The stroke left Anne with some behavioural problems and she now requires assistance with everyday tasks.

She remains mostly confined to a wheelchair, making travelling a difficult task.

As a result David doesn't think he can make the awards, which are due to take place in London on December 9.

Joyce Cattanach, from Headway East Lothian, paid tribute to him and said: "Anne's life is so much better than it would have been had David not given up his life to care for her. He is fully deserving of this recognition."

The charity has helped the family adjust and David believes it is the sole reason for their improved lifestyle.

Attending meetings allowed Anne to mix with people of similar disabilities and reassured him he wasn't alone.

He said: "As far as I'm concerned it's all about Headway. They're a wonderful people and I've made a lot of good friends - they've been a life-saver.

"People don't understand sometimes and they seem to think that the brain injured are stupid. That's just not the case."