1. Diane and Stuart Walton were in the congregation at yesterday’s service.

FOR Diane Walton, much of the past two decades have been spent looking after her seriously ill mum Pamela.

Together with her husband Stuart, Diane has been the main carer for her 90-year-old mum, who suffers with lung disease, allergies and has, in the past, had strokes.

Her devotion to caring for her mother is an act few people have witnessed but it was thrown under the spotlight yesterday in the Carers’ Service at Derby Cathedral.

The event, part of National Carers’ Week, thanked people who give up their time to look after others. Organisers also gave out information about advice and support available for those in that situation.

Diane was among more than 100 people at the service and said it was great to talk to people and share her experience.

The 63-year-old said of her mother: “She has acute bronchiectasis, which is a form of lung disease, and over the years she has become disorientated.

“She has also had strokes in the past and she has a lot of allergies. She is very poorly.

“For the last five years we were looking after her she was bedridden and there have been some very difficult times.”

Stuart, 64, added: “It was great to see that so many people are in the same situation. The service was lovely and we really enjoyed it.”

Diane and Stuart, 64, moved Pamela Lester into their Westbourne Park home in November 2007 and she lived with the couple until August 2010. Before that, the couple cared for Pamela in her home in Mackworth for more than 12 years.

Now, Pamela lives at Aspen Court Nursing Home, in Spondon, which means Diane and Stuart are able to enjoy more free time.

But the stress of looking after her mother, caused Diane to suffer a lot of strain.

Mrs Walton said: “I had to have four operations on my stomach as they found acid in there and later I had to have my gall bladder removed.

“It was stress-related from looking after my mum.

“It wasn’t just worry but also the physical help, lifting her from her bed.”

Dianne said the help of external organisations such as Care UK and Marie Curie had helped her and her husband immensely.

She said: “They were so fantastic. We have had some very hard times but we have had good support. Both my daughters and my sister Denise have been great as well.”

Yesterday’s free service marked the first day of National Carers Week 2012, which runs until to Sunday.

It included hymns, readings and choir singing.

Paul Lobley, Derbyshire Carers’ Association trustee, said: “A lot of people are unable to get out of their own homes because they are full time carers and they may suffer financially themselves or have health problems.

“The service also helps to raise the profile of Derbyshire Carers Association and show carers that there is help and support available.”

Derby Mayor Lisa Higginbottom said: “It’s important for people to come together and celebrate the brilliance of carers and to say thank you for the hard work they do.”