Your front page about disabled window cleaner Ricky Perrin shocked me a bit (The Argus, May 23). My best wishes to Mr Perrin.

When my stepson was discharged from Stoke Manderville Hospital, he could only use his arms and move his head. His flat had not been converted completely so he moved into my flat.

As a young man he didn't realise the full impact of his injuries. He tried desperately to have friends.

Some of them had stolen from him.

In broad daylight he was mugged for his mobile and his money, therefore, he came several times to stay with me.

During all these months, the NHS trust, Brighton sent regularly medical bed covers to me. I received carers allowance.

Now he has moved to another city and is very happy.

Not so I. A year later, I received a letter from the Department for Work and Pensions saying that I have to pay nearly £4,000 of carers allowance back. To add insult to injury, I have to pay my income support back for the time he lived with me. I was told I have to appeal, no further explanation made.

I am paying back the money in instalments but, as you can imagine, I am not very happy.

I hope you can print this letter because I think that I am not the only one.

Rolf Kloske Preston Road, Brighton