A GRATEFUL Port Glasgow woman says a local daycare centre has been a lifeline to her during lockdown.

Catherine Petrie, 74, says she couldn't cope without the continued support she receives from the Muirshiel Centre in Port Glasgow, which has continued to offer vital help while the building is closed.

The pensioner's husband Alistair has dementia and mobility problems and before lockdown began he attended the centre two days a week.

Catherine lives in School Road with her husband and son Gordon, 53, who has learning disabilities.

She said: "Muirshiel has been a great support for me.

"It gives me respite.

"During lockdown they took Alistair out for runs and phoned every week to see how I was getting on."

Catherine, 74, admits that lockdown has been a very stressful time and that she found it difficult because the centre was closed.

She said: "I am Alistair and Gordon's carer and this place is a lifeline.

"I wouldn't have coped without the centre.

"There's nowhere for Alistair to go and nothing for him to do.

"I have really missed the centre, it gives me some relaxation and I know Alistair is safe.

"They know our situation and you don't have to explain anything."

Christine Lindsey, acting deputy head of the centre, said the centre was open for a short time before Christmas, for two people at at time, only for the second lockdown to take effect.

She added: "But we continued with our outreach work taking clients out, providing meals where they were needed and if people needed anything at all we were on the other end of the phone.

"We're not just a service, we build up a friendship with clients and their carers.

"We are always there if Catherine needs anything."

Mr & Mrs Petrie have five sons, six grandsons and one great-granddaughter.

Alistair was in the army, then was a miner, and latterly a chef.

He suffered a mining injury which affected his mobility and changed career but the daily struggle with dementia has proved the biggest battle of all.

Catherine said: "You lose the person you knew.

"The hardest thing to accept is that he doesn't know you who are - it's a horrible disease."

Alistair's key worker Frances Williamson said: "It is very rewarding knowing that we are helping the family.

"We are getting Alistair out and about and giving Catherine some respite."

Catherine said: "These guys are doing an excellent job."

The staff are still waiting for a date to re-open the centre and hope to be in a position to return soon.