SUE Harvey has spent her life caring for others, often seeing them through the darkest of times.

At home the stepmother-of-two is the sole carer for her husband Bryan, who has Parkinson’s disease, and she spent years looking after her twin sister Rosemary, who has severe epilepsy. And in the outside world she has supported local charities including Prospect Hospice.

But the former BMW worker is now facing up to her own struggle after being diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in September and being given between one and three years to live.

The brain and spinal cord disease affects the muscles, causing loss of speech and mobility.

The charity volunteer and her family, however, are refusing to let the debilitating condition rob her of the precious time she has left, or to stop her continuing to provide hope to others in need.

Sue’s stepson, Wayne Harvey, said: “Sue is the most generous, kind and loving lady you could ever imagine, and I’m not being biased because she has been my stepmum for the past 36 years.

“Anyone who knows her will tell you that while working so hard to support her family, she does so much for local charities – mostly Prospect Hospice.

“Among her own chores she would wash and iron for her nieces who recently had children, and cook endless meals for elderly neighbours.

“In short, Sue is a remarkable woman.”

Sue, from Stratton, is one of 10 siblings, who of whom has passed away. The former hockey player is now losing her speech but wants to be as active as possible before she loses her mobility.

Sue’s sister, Rosemary, is now in a care home but she remains a full-time carer to her husband Bryan. She is currently assisting MND research at John Radcliffe hospital in Oxford, undergoing medical tests for researchers and doctors which will potentially help future sufferers.

Wayne, 40, from South London, is in constant awe of how his stepmum copes with a bleak future.

“Sue continues to do everything for everyone, but is starting to struggle and as a family we are preparing ourselves for the worst,” he said.

The family is preparing by showing love and generosity.

Sue was diagnosed just before her 58th birthday so her sister Jane Harris threw a surprise birthday party at the County Ground.

Britain’s Got Talent star Dizzy Twilight, a 65-year-old grandmother who proved one of the show’s surprise packages, was DJ for the occasion last November.

Sue was presented with a memory wall crammed with pictures of her, alongside pictures of her family and friends.

Jane and her cousin Amy Denton are now organising an invite-only fundraising event for the Motor Neurone Disease Association at the County Ground on August 11.

The night will have a casino theme – though no cash will change hands – and a raffle with prizes donated by the Great Western Hotel, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gala Bingo, among others.

Reaching out in the most difficult of times, Sue and her family are asking others to return a little of the kindness and generosity she has sent into the world.