Di and Al Curtis-Horsfall have been married for 42 years. They worked tirelessly to build a life for their two sons, putting family first. Once their children left home, Di and Al eagerly anticipated fulfilling their dream of travelling the world.
In 2013, their plans took a devastating turn when Al was diagnosed with type 2 degenerative Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The chronic illness has severely affected his mobility, speech, and cognition. As Al’s condition deteriorates, he now requires constant care.
The unseen toll of caregiving
For the past 11 years, Di has been Al’s primary carer, a role that has completely redefined her life. The constant demands of Al’s illness have left her physically and emotionally drained, as she grapples with feelings of isolation and uncertainty for their future.
Ben Curtis-Horsfall, their son, has brought their story to light in his short film, Multiple Sclerosis: Caring For A Partner (watch below). The documentary offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the impact a degenerative illness has on a relationship, highlighting the loss of independence and the immense strain placed on a partner-turned-carer.
Ben explains,
“Di and Al show us how a profound love can guide us through our darkest days.”
A filmmaker’s personal mission
For Ben, creating the film was an intensely personal yet essential project. He shares,
“Supporting my parents over the past ten years has shown me that caregiving is often invisible, especially when it involves a close family member.”
Ben, who earned a first-class degree in filmmaking from Screenology in Bristol, wanted to spotlight the harsh realities often overlooked in media portrayals of carers.
Ben says,
“While caregiving can be rewarding, it often has an extremely negative impact on the carer’s mental and physical health.”
His film honours the sacrifices made by his mother and carers like her, aiming to foster greater understanding and appreciation for their experiences.
The perspective of Carers Isle of Wight
Elizabeth Martin, Manager of Carers Isle of Wight, praised the honesty of the documentary. She says,
“Watching Multiple Sclerosis: Caring For A Partner, I was struck by how honest Di and Al were about their experiences.
“It is raw and challenging to hear, but it is a realistic depiction of what most unpaid carers experience at some point.”
Supporting unpaid carers for over 30 years
Carers IW, a charity supporting unpaid carers on the Isle of Wight for over 30 years, works with individuals who often struggle to articulate the complexities of caregiving. Elizabeth explains,
“Many caregivers feel reluctant or unable to share their struggles, fearing judgment or simply not knowing how to articulate their emotions.”
Elizabeth hopes the film will encourage carers to open up about their emotional burdens and seek support. She helped Ben connect with other carers, ensuring the film reflects their collective experiences.
The bigger picture: Carers in the UK
The Curtis-Horsfalls’ story is not unique. According to recent figures, 62 per cent of UK adults have no choice about taking on unpaid caring roles, amounting to 10 million people.
Unpaid carers are estimated to save the UK economy £162 billion a year – equivalent to running a second NHS. Despite this, many carers feel invisible and unsupported. A YouGov poll revealed that 73 per cent of respondents believe the government should provide more support for unpaid carers.
Ben’s documentary is not only a tribute to his parents but also a call to action, shining a light on the resilience and sacrifices of carers across the country. It is a story of love, endurance, and the quiet strength that deserves to be seen and valued.
Watch the film
Watch the film below by clicking on the play button and making sure your sound is turned on.
