A memorial walk is taking place today (Friday) to mark Carers Week.

The Comet: Walk organiser Norman Phillips with his wife Ros, who he cares forWalk organiser Norman Phillips with his wife Ros, who he cares for (Image: Archant)

Members of the Stevenage Carers’ Support Group began completing laps of Fairlands Valley Park in Stevenage at 8.30am and will continue until 6.30pm in memory of former member and carer Linda Williams who died in February.

The group are taking it in turns to walk 10 laps of the park starting from Costello’s Cafe, with each person walking for one hour in a bid to raise £2,000.

The funds will be shared between Carers in Hertfordshire and Carers UK.

Norman Phillips, walk organiser and carer ambassador for the group, sat next to Linda when he first attended, remembering her kindness.

He said: “Linda was one of those people that no matter what she was dealing with in her caring role always had a kind word and was willing to listen. As a group we wanted to mark Linda’s passing and a walk seemed a good way to do that. We also wanted to show carers that there is help close at hand.”

The 62-year-old from Stevenage gave up his job as a senior service delivery manager for an IT company seven years ago when the demands of juggling work with caring for his wife Ros, who is disabled because of multiple sclerosis, became too much. He is now a full-time carer, with support from his 43-year-old son Mark.

He added: “In the end it was impossible trying to balance paid work and being a family carer. There is nothing in my background that prepared me for the role of carer. In my case as Ros’ physical ability deteriorated my caring role grew. You find yourself doing things you would never have dreamed of having to do. There is no training before you start and you learn as you go.”

To make a donation, visit https://mydonate.bt.com and search for ‘Stevenage Carers’ Support Group’.

For more information about the group call Norman on 07884 336012.