Eileen Field, 70, has looked after her husband David at their home in Warwick ever since he was diagnosed 12 years ago.

She has spoken out about the difficulty of living with the disease – and to praise a recent development she describes as "a dream".

Mrs Field said: "It was a devastating shock at the time, but a relief to have a name put to the condition that was having an increasing effect on his mobility and change in character.

"We were fortunate in having a doctor who quickly diagnosed his problem and, together with annual visits to a consultant, we managed reasonably well for several years on the medication that was prescribed.

"Then things started getting difficult, and over the months David began to deteriorate dramatically. Eventually he was unable to do anything for himself at all, and at night-time needed attention every half hour or so."

During this difficult time the Fields had the support of the local branch of the Parkinson`s Society, which offered friendly meetings with a variety of entertainment, outings, physiotherapy sessions and information.

Mrs Field said: "The support then, as now, is invaluable and contributes immensely to the way in which we are able to cope."

But the problems hadn't gone away and with no access to a Parkinson's nurse specialist and months to wait for a consultant's appointment, Mr Field was admitted to the neurological ward of University Hospital, Coventry.

Two months later, and after a major drug change, he returned home a very different person.

Mrs Field said: "It was obvious for everyone to see that a transformation had taken place. We had so much to thank the medical profession for. To me it was like a miracle. We could get out and enjoy life again."

The local Parkinson's support groups have been campaigning for a Parkinson's nurse specialist for more than ten years. Recently two appointments were made, one for the north of the county and one for the south.

Mrs Field said: "This has been our dream for so long. We dearly hope that it will come to fruition and that they will improve the life of everyone who lives with Parkinson's."

The Leamington and district support group meets at the Sydni Centre in Leamington. Call 853023 or 337695.