To: David Cameron, Nick Clegg, Ed Miliband, House of Commons, Westminster.

IN June 2005 I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and told that my lifespan was approximately two years (I was 60).

In 2007, after further tests, I was told that I had one of the slower types of the condition called progressive muscular atrophy (PMA), which gives me lifespan of anything from five years plus.

I can’t use my arms or hands properly (I am writing this using speech recognition), although my legs are still strong. The disease is affecting my back and neck and I have to rely on wheelchair to get about.

Since being diagnosed, my wife Judith has been my carer and has received the carers allowance. However, in March this year, she is entitled to a State pension, which she has contributed to, having worked for 45 years since she was 15.

But she will have to choose between continuing to receive the carer’s allowance or her pension. Obviously, like any sensible person, she decided on the pension, as it was the highest amount.

To me, this now means that Judith is no longer recognised as my carer by the State.

In 2012, Judith took early retirement from a job that she loved to give me the care that I needed.

She could quite easily have stayed on at work, which would have meant social services putting a care package in place for me, costing the State money, but like thousands throughout the UK Judith decided out of loyalty and love that she wanted to care for me personally.

As leaders of the three main political parties, you need to understand how valuable carers like Judith are to the country.

For her not to be recognised or appreciated because she will soon be receiving a State pension is a disgrace.

Mike Findley, Marske.