Connor and Billy
UK
Connor, 10, and Billy, 8, couldn’t be more different. One loves books while the other is a football whizz . But they both love their little brother Alfie, 6, who had a stroke at birth.
Alfie is lots of fun and a great brother to have, so the boys enjoy looking after him and playing with him. But the stroke left Alfie with physical and learning difficulties which can be a real challenge. Alfie can’t walk far and at times, he gets frustrated and lashes out. They know he’s not being naughty, but it’s still a huge strain.
So they love coming to Barking and Dagenham Young Carers where they can talk to other people in the same boat.
Connor said: “I like coming here because we go on trips and can talk to the project worker, Dean, about anything we want.”
Connor is so good at caring for his little brother that he was given the Jack Petchey award in 2005, which was set up to recognise "extreme endeavour and to help young people to help themselves".
Mum Julie is very proud of her boys. “I couldn’t look after Alfie without Billy and Connor. I am so glad we were told about Barking and Dagenham Young Carers because they can come and just be kids.”
£100 could pay for a ten-pin bowling trip for 10 young people who spend much of their week caring for a sick or disabled parent or sibling.
© Comic Relief 2008. Comic Relief, registered charity 326568 (England/Wales); SC039730 (Scotland)
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