A father-of-two who suffers with multiple sclerosis (MS) is backing a campaign for improved funding for social care.

Doug Smith, of Monarch Drive, Kemsley was diagnosed with the condition that attacks the nervous system in 2015.

It can cause problems with how people move, see, feel and think and affects more than 100,000 people across the country.

The 50-year-old was admitted to Medway Maritime Hospital before being transferred to Sittingbourne Memorial in February last year. His MS left him unable to walk.

He currently gets a carer for half an hour each morning to help him wash, dress and empty urine bottles, but has to rely on his sons, Adrian and Charlie, aged 15 and 18, the rest of the time.

When his sons, who both attend Borden Grammar School, go to their mum’s house every other weekend he’s left alone to fend for himself.

The former taxi driver said: “Quite often I’ll go without something being done, because there’s not enough for it all.

“On my bad days I could definitely do with more help. There have been times where I haven’t been able to stand to pull my trousers up after using the toilet, it’s taken five hours to change my clothes, or all I’ve managed to do is sit on a chair until my sons get home."

“Sometimes I don’t eat until three in the morning.

“The council has said if I want more care, I’ll need to pay for it myself.”

Research by the MS Society shows that government social care support has fallen for people living with MS in England and almost one in three who need help with washing, dressing and eating don’t get this support.

Michelle Mitchell, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We’ve known for some time that the social care system has not been meeting people’s needs but this latest evidence brings that knowledge into a new light.

“The upcoming General Election is an opportunity to make sure the next government delivers a long-term funding solution to secure the future of the social care system.”

Social care in Kent is overseen by a partnership of organisations, with funding from Kent County Council.