Archive - Thursday, 8 December 2005


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Amy, 12, wins special day for young carers

A 12-YEAR-OLD girl who helps look after her sick mother has won a special day out for her young carers group.

Amy Balhatchet, aged 12, of Mayo Road, Shipston, and her mum Shirley, nominated South Warwickshire Young Carers Project for the prize, which was being offered to a deserving cause by BBC Radio Coventry and Warwickshire.

And the pair were delighted when they heard that the group had been selected, and would be setting off for a VIP day out at the Warwick Castle Frost Fair last Friday.

"The children were chuffed to bits," said Shirley, who was diagnosed with breast cancer almost five years ago and is currently on her third course of chemotherapy.

"Amy was only eight when I was first diagnosed and she is a big help to me. She helps me dress and puts the Hoover round," she added.

Shirley, whose other children Carly, 16, and Chris, 15, also help out, said that caring for a sick parent or sibling puts a lot of pressure on children.

"They grow up fast. Amy is 13 next year but she is advanced beyond her years," she said.

She praised the work of the young carers project, which organises meetings and offers advice, information and support.

"It gives the kids time to do different things," said Shirley.

Kathy Long, young carers project manager, said she was delighted that the project had been nominated by one of the young people and her mum.

"It was so lovely to be nominated by a young person," she said.

South Warwickshire Young Carers organises group meetings for young carers in Leamington and Stratford. It also offers individual support, organises workshops and holiday breaks for young carers.

It currently supports around 100 young carers ranging in age from eight to 18 are involved in the care of a disabled or sick relative.

"We have kids who are solely responsible for parents with disabilities," said Kathy.

Shirley and Amy were among 40 young carers and family members who were given the VIP treatment at Warwick Castle.