CARING for each other has become a way of life for David and Juanita Turner

The couple from Nichols Way, Newtown, Exeter, have been married for eight years.

David, 54, is an insulin dependent diabetic and the disease has affected his legs and feet. He also has no arms, as he is a victim of thalidomide.

His wife Juanita, 39, has learning difficulties including dyslexia. She said: "I care for David 24/7. I dress him, cook all his meals, shower him, shave him, and give him his injections every morning. I don't go anywhere without him."

Juanita has been to a number of carers meetings but felt they concentrated too much on the cared for rather than giving the carer a break and some support.

Juanita receives just £53.10p a week through the Carers' Allowance, which means the couple cannot afford the help of a carer during the day.

She said: "I was not bought up with a lot of money so it's like water off a duck's back, but it is impossible to survive on the carers' allowance. We have not been able to buy any new clothes for ten years."

David, who is an ambassador of Exeter charity Dream-A-Way, said: "Juanita is amazing. She looks after all my needs and I help her. She can pick out what to cook for our dinner but I have to read out the instructions to her."

David has known the charity's chairman Jeff Merrett since he was 11. Jeff said: "David and Juanita are a fantastic couple who both have their special needs, but are both excellent carers for each other.

"Despite occasional difficulties they constantly support each other and above all they are always smiling.

"They have both worked tirelessly for Dream-A-Way and proudly became our ambassadors in 2008."

An electric wheelchair was recently presented to David by the Lord Mayor, Councillor John Winterbottom. The presentation took place at a special ceremony at the Exeter Guildhall.

The £3,500 wheelchair was paid for by a mystery celebrity and discounted by Dave Denning from Exeter. Friend Marie Rose, 55, from Exeter, helped arrange the gift.

David, who also drives a specially adapted car, said: "The wheelchair has changed my life. Juanita used to have to push me into town, but I am such a heavy weight, it couldn't have been good for her. The chair has given me more independence."

The couple first met at Isca Bowls Club, before David's health stopped him playing. They feel they wouldn't survive without each other.

Juanita said: "Everything became happy the day I met David. If I didn't have him I would not know what love was or about people caring for others. Everything I know now is down to David."