I'm a 66-year-old mother of four adult children, and an ex-lecturer.

Very occasionally, and unpredictably, I have been able to do a short walk or two each week, be driven to stay in a friend's spare bedroom and manage a couple of short trips out in the week, and my neighbour invites me for Sunday lunch, but this is an ordeal.

My life is meticulously paced. I can tolerate company for very brief periods... thank goodness my children understand this when they phone or come to stay as my stamina is so poor. They take over everything to help me find a bit of social energy.

I was awarded my work ill health pension, ESA and PIP and use the money on a cleaner and gardener. I live alone and far prefer it that way as I suffer with very bad air hunger.

I am naturally bubbly, lively minded and happy. I have a few very simple hobbies and enjoy a lot of life through my children. But I feel very ill for hours each day, and maybe have a total of three relatively comfortable hours. It's not enough.