PARENTING places many more demands than usual for Kathy and Alan Smith because their 18-year-old son, Stuart, suffers severe learning and physical disabilities.

Stuart was born prematurely, and needs care around the clock.

Mrs Smith, who lives in Ringsbury Close, Purton, has devoted her life to caring for her son, a wheelchair user who relies on her help for all his daily needs.

Stuart, who is their only child, attends Uplands School in Swindon.

Mrs Smith's day usually begins at around 6am when Stuart wakes up. Mrs Smith has to get him dressed, washed and shaved.

She has to sort out all his personal care, including feeding him.

Stuart is unable to speak or use sign language but Mrs Smith said he can understand what is being said.

"People who know him very well can pick up his moods," she said.

Every month Mr and Mrs Smith receive four or five nights respite care so they can have a break.

"Without that we would be absolutely stuck," she said.

"We have grown used to life with Stuart this is normal for us. You just have to do it.

"He is our son and we love him, and we do the best we can for him."

The future is a matter for concern for the Smiths as Stuart will leave school in a year's time.

Mrs Smith said: "We try not to think about the future too much but we do have to plan for it. When Stuart leaves school we hope he will be able to go to college for a couple of years, and then find a place at an adult training centre. Basically what he needs is schooling for the rest of his life, lots of one-to-one encouragement and a great deal of physiotherapy."

Mrs Smith said Carers Support North Wiltshire provided a real lifeline. "If I am feeling desperate I know there is someone at the other end of the phone," she said.

"We live in a society where people who do not look normal get stared at," she said. "Attitudes are getting better but there is a long way to go."