A CUDWORTH couple’s desperate plea has had an overwhelming response.

Rose and Charles Smith, aged 71 and 72 respectively, have had their phone ringing off the hook with offers to help them out.

Rose is currently the full-time carer for her husband, supporting him through his debilitating illnesses.

The struggles of being a carer left Rose ‘too tired to function’, leaving her with no option but to reach out for support in last week’s Chronicle.

Charles’ heart failure, lung scarring, rheumatoid arthritis and angina have left him mostly immobile - and forced him to wear an oxygen cannula for 24 hours a day.

Rose struggles to complete tasks such as shopping and long walks due to her joint pain - which is further complicated by the couple having no mode of transport.

Big-hearted locals have offered the couple help with anything from shopping, delivering the newspaper, or just stopping by for a chat.

Rose has admitted that the past week has been very busy, after adult social care workers got in touch to offer her some relief.

She said: “Our neighbours have taken us shopping.

“Adult social care services have said they’ll be back in touch, too.

“Some of our other neighbours given us a note, leaving their names and numbers in case we need anything.

“A lady named Beth rang up too, she said she would give us some help.

“A few older people rang - one of them seemed to need help too - and we just had a chat.

“I think a lot of people are in a similar situation to us.

“Hopefully things will get better.”