A COUPLE have been recognised in the House of Commons for the outstanding care they provide to their disabled son.

Philippa and Geoff Gretton, from Hartlepool, were presented with an award by the Contact a Family charity at a ceremony last week

The Parent Carer award was given in recognition of their determination to ensure their son Ryan, who has cerebral palsy and autism, leads as full a life as possible.

Mr and Mrs Gretton have devoted their life to caring for the 22-year-old and do their best to make sure he has an active social life.

They were nominated for the Parent Carer award by their daughter Sam, who paid a touching tribute by saying: “They are the most kind-hearted, funny and caring individuals I know, I am both proud and lucky to have them as my mum and dad.

“My mum always stays with Ryan however long his hospital stays are - the longest being 10 months.

“My dad works full time so he is backwards and forwards to hospital from work.

“Dad is lucky if he gets more than four hours sleep a night as Ryan is awake shouting as he’s in pain or needs his legs adjusting.

“They both rarely get any time to themselves and deserve some recognition for the stress and hard times they’ve had to go through - not only as Ryan’s parents but as his carers as well.”

The awards ceremony, hosted by BBC Radio 4 presenter Jane Garvey, took place at Speaker’s House at the Palace of Westminster.

MP Penny Mordaunt, Minister for Disabled People, Work and Health, described the ceremony as “an opportunity to recognise the families of disabled children and their tireless support and selfless generosity.”

She congratulated Mr and Mrs Gretton by adding: “I hope they realise not just how much they are valued by their loved one, but wider society.

“We are so proud of you and thank you for all you do.”