MUM Starling Linus is quite literally offering people signs of hope.

Mrs Linus, from Cutteslowe, has stood in the city centre each day for the past week, holding up messages of happiness and inspiration.

But far from being a publicity stunt, the 40-year-old is doing it all for husband Ben, who has spent six years fighting serious illness.

Mr Linus was diagnosed with chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS), a debilitating illness also known as ME that affects the brain and multiple body systems.

She said: “He’s had a pretty tough time, not being able to move his body at all on some days or breathe properly.

“One day at his lowest he said he didn’t know if he wanted to carry on any more. But for years he had wanted to record an album so he decided to concentrate on that.”

Mr Linus, 38, a former architect, spent weeks writing and recording his music, spurred on by his wife and their six children. His wife added: “He kept on going and he did it. I was incredibly proud. And towards the end of the album, he just started getting better.

“He went out and bought tennis racquets to start playing again – it was amazing.”

Mrs Linus believed her husband’s condition was turned around because of doing something he loved.

She said: “He still has rough days but nothing like how he used to be. Finishing a goal gave him hope and it fixed him. It sounds airy-fairy but it happened.”

Each day this year she has stood in Oxford city centre with a board offering inspirational messages such as “You are amazing”.

The former NHS worker said: “I thought if he could be brave, I could too and I could cheer other people up. It was scary but worth it.

“Life is really tough for a lot of people at the moment.

“If I can make them smile for a few seconds or their lives a tiny bit better, it’s great.”

Mr Linus, who plays guitar and sings on the album, said: “It’s flattering and surprising all at the same time.

“I don’t think she realises how much of my recovery has been down to her eternal optimism. She’s awesome and far more courageous than I.”