For 10 years Glenda Hepple was told she was mentally ill. She then lost her husband, and struggled to bring up three young children on her own while suffering agonising pain.

But more than a year later later, Glenda, from Wilsden, says she has managed to get her life back on track with the help of Shipley support group Home-Start.

"I owe everything to Home-Start," said Glenda. "With everything I have been through, I don't think I would be here now if it wasn't for the help I got there."

Home-Start helps families with young children who are going through problems. Volunteers visit families, providing emotional and practical support.

Glenda, a former nurse, had enjoyed a full and active life until she started suffering pains at the age of 24. But she says that every time she went to seek medical attention she was told it was all in her mind.

"I was sectioned at one point and was put on a variety of medication, like anti-depressants," she said.

"When everyone tells you are going crazy you end up believing it."

It was when Glenda suffered a stroke and was rushed to hospital that tests revealed she was suffering from the rarely diagnosed fibromyalgia which affects muscles, tendons, ligaments. Her husband Andrew became her carer and looked after her and the children.

But in January last year Andrew, 36, died after suffering two brain haemmorrhages. The couple had been together 10 years.

Glenda said: "It was absolutely horrendous and I was totally distraught. I had no-one to turn to. I lost my carer, my husband and my best friend all in one go and I had three little children. I didn't know what to do."

Through the help of social services, Glenda was put in touch with Home-Start in Shipley.

"I was totally incapacitated after the stroke," she said. "I can't go anywhere and I can't even sit in a wheelchair because I can't make my hands work.

"Even taking the children to school is a struggle and I have to rely on friends and volunteers from Home-Start. They have really helped me get my life in order. I don't know what I would have done without them."

Eileen Broomhead, from Home-Start, said: "It's always pleasing to hear how families have benefited from our support.

"But more volunteers are urgently needed, as the demand for our help often exceeds the number of volunteers available."

The group recently received funding for a part-time worker in Keighley.

Home-Start Shipley has been established for three years, during which time more than 60 families have received help.

Eileen said: "We offer practical support and friendship to families with at least one child under five years old."

Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are needed. They must have parenting experience. A 10-week training course starts in May. For details ring Eileen on (01274) 720466.

e-mail: anila.baig

@bradford.newsquest.co.uk

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