Brian is very matter of fact when he speaks about caring for his son, Philip, who was diagnosed with the incurable debilitating disease in 1997.

He is also quick to point out that his daughter, Marion Abbott, 47, also helps out looking after her brother as well as going out to work two days a week.

Brian, 77, said: "We do as a family should and look after our family, we all think the same. We just look after him and that's it."

The care that Brian selflessly administers to his son earned him a nomination for a Croydon Champions Parent of the Year Award.

Fulfilling the role of a full-time carer can be demanding, but Brian and his daughter have made Philip their number one priority.

Their efforts provide the comfort and security that many other Multiple Sclerosis sufferers are shamefully deprived of.

Philip, 39, is wheelchair bound and sleeps in an extension the family had built with a wet room to make bathing easier.

"We have people who come in three times a week to shower Philip," Brian added, "We used to do it ourselves but now they do it. He has an automatic bed which moves and a ripple mattress. Social services have really looked after us."

Taking Philip out regularly is important to Brian. "You hear stories about people who do not go out anywhere, which is terrible. We have a blue mobility badge which does help a lot."

Philip cannot move unaided and his sister cooks and chops up all of his food. Brian says: "We are under a lot of pressure I wouldn't say it's easy but we are coping, just about."

Brian's day starts around 7.45am when he gets Philip out of bed and washed and dressed.

This isn't the first time Brian has cared for a member of his family, 20 years ago he nursed his wife until her death in 1986 of a brain tumour.

Brian's free-time is sparse, he enjoys the odd evening out at National Service dinners held in Windsor.

Philip has spent a week at a respite home in Horley and will be returning there for a second week later in the year, but home is where Philip is staying long-term.

Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling condition affecting young adults and is the result of damage to the protective sheath surrounding nerve fibres of the central nervous system.

If you would like more information or advice on MS then visit the Multiple Sclerosis Society website at mssociety.org.uk or call their free helpline on 0808 800 8000.