I AM writing this letter to thank one body of workers who never seem to get a mention - the home care workers.

I live in Westhoughton, and my home care workers are wonderful.

I have been bedridden for 10 years, so I have had quite a lot of different carers over the years.

I have four visits a day, two carers at a time, as the only way they can move me is by using a hoist.

They never let me down, whatever the weather - snow, gales, blizzards. They always arrive with a cheery smile, fill me in with all the gossip and all that's going on.

So, even though I am housebound, I know what's going on all around Westhoughton and district, so I can't thank them enough.

But, to my horror, I have been told that, by April 2006, the home care role will cease to exist as it is now.

It is going into specialised team working shifts, so I will not know who I am having to care for me.

One team will only stay for six weeks and then move on, and I will get moved to another team or agency carers.

When you rely on carers to do everything for you, it is so much better for me when I know them and get used to them.

The carers themselves don't want to change, but they are being made to.

Special thanks for the last couple of weeks, roughing it through the terrible weather and roadworks. I can't put into words my gratitude.

God bless you all for a wonderful service.

Your grateful patient

Annie Calderbank

Westhoughton