A couple who have five children under the age of six today told how they were struggling to get help to cope with the pressures of family life.

Struggling to cope - Lorraine Page with her partner, Lee Gotts, and their children 6-month-old triplets Jamie, Ashley and Bobby, with Lois, 15 months, and Daisy, five. (40558-2)

Lorraine Page claims the only way they could get valuable support was if her partner, Lee Gotts, gave up his job as an electrician.

The couple, of Douglas Road, Clacton, planned a third child, but a 12-week scan revealed they were expecting triplets.

They were delighted when Ashley, Bobby and Jamie came into the world last July but have since been overwhelmed by the stresses of everyday life with the babies and big sisters 15-month-old Lois and five-year-old Daisy.

"It all started when I had to bring the triplets home from hospital earlier than I had expected to," said Miss Page.

"Lee had three weeks off work and both our mothers, who live in London, came down for a week to help out.

"But since then it has been increasingly difficult to find help unless Lee gives up his job and stops providing for his family."

Miss Page said she had sought advice from Essex Social Services, the Benefits Agency, her GP, health visitor, SureStart, the citizens' advice bureau and any other agency she could think of.

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Published Thursday, January 20, 2005

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