A Haverfordwest man has been crowned carer of the year by the MS Society Cymru.

Richard Gau was presented the award at a recent ceremony at the National Assembly in recognition of the incredible support he gives to his wife Dawn, as her sole carer.

Although Dawn is severely affected by MS, Richard is never daunted by the challenges posed by her condition.

Richard is also chairman of the MS Society in Pembrokeshire and Dawn a welfare officer. The couple make every effort to keep their lives busy, both socially and through volunteering.

Richard offers inspiration to others affected by MS across the county and he was delighted to receive the award from the society, with which he has been involved for 15 years.

Richard said: “The award came out of the blue, I felt so embarrassed.

“I was delighted of course, it is rather nice to be recognised both as an individual and on behalf of carers who look after other people.”

The couple provide help and advice to people all over the county, drawing on their own experiences.

“Whether members of the MS Society or not, we try to help them. Following diagnosis, people get frustrated initially, as well as frightened. We are able to put their minds at rest a little,” said Richard.

Spokesman for MS Society Cymru, Joseph Carter, said: “The love and devotion that Richard gives Dawn is an inspiration to us all.

“There are 350,000 carers in Wales and they are our unsung heroes, providing services that would otherwise have to be met by the state.”

For more information or advice from the MS Society Pembrokeshire, contact Richard on 01437 762174.