TWO years ago today the Echo launched the We Care campaign, which aims to get a better deal for the people who provide care for their loved ones.

The campaign was inspired by Bronwyn and Colin Nott, who live at Sandford, near Crediton. They care for their daughter Rachel, who has the mental ability of an 18-month old toddler.

Bronwyn, 61, said: "The campaign has been very important highlighting the work of carers to the public.

"I go to forums and speak to carers of elderly people and when I tell them I am a parent carer, they have no idea what that is. The campaign has bought recognition of different types of carers."

Exeter charity Dream-A-Way administers funds for We Care, which has so far raised more than £18,000 and helped 1,500 people, who have been sent on treats, ranging from day trips and meals to holidays abroad.

We Care won Community Campaign of the Year at the 2009 EDF Energy South West Media Awards and over the past 24 months the Echo has enlisted the support of Falklands war hero Simon Weston, who is the campaign champion, and Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Bronwyn said: "Mr Brown is saying the right things and the campaign has bought it to the forefront of the political agenda but I think it is all talk because there is no money. It's okay to say that carers must have respite breaks funded but there is no money to back it up.

"I think the carers allowance rate of £53.10 per week is diabolical. If an employer paid their staff as little as that they would be prosecuted."

Bronwyn is retired and therefore no longer receives carers allowance, just the state pension. She said: "I will always have my caring duties. Nothing about my situation has changed, if anything, it is worse because I am getting older and Rachel is getting stronger."

Bronwyn's health has suffered. As well as being an insulin dependant diabetic for 12 years, having to administer five daily injections to herself, she also has painful arthritis in her knees, made worse by her caring role.

Bronwyn is the secretary of the PTFA at Ellen Tinkham school and is hoping to raise £150,000 to improve the school playground.

Now Rachel is 19 she will leave Ellen Tinkham in Exeter in July and Bronwyn hopes to secure a place at Little Acorns, a privately-run specialist centre in Winkleigh, which would be able to give her one-to-one care, five days a week.

This would also give Bronwyn and Colin a small dose of respite.

Bronwyn said: "Once a fortnight I have some time to myself and I visit a lady in Tiverton who gives me a wonderful massage. I can't cope without it, she is so good, she seems to know which bits of me are in pain before I tell her."

For more about the We Care campaign or to tell us your story, contact selliott@express andecho.co.uk or visit www. thisis exeter.co.uk/wecare.