Caleb Bennett – Child of Courage nominee

Caleb Bennett – Child of Courage nominee

He’s just seven years old but Caleb Bennett is the main carer for his mum, who has a number of long-term health conditions.

The Fenton schoolboy accompanies her to medical appointments, does chores around the house, prepares meals, looks after their pets and reminds his mum to take her medication.

Last week, when mum Elizabeth Bennett was having a difficult day, he knew exactly how to help.

She said: “I had a very bad day where I could barely get out of bed. He came up, put a bucket next to the bed, brought me a drink, let the dog out and back in again, made his own breakfast and then came back upstairs every half hour to check on me.

“I couldn’t ask for better. At his age he really shouldn’t be looking after his mum. I couldn’t manage without him. He’s such an amazing little boy. He’s been a God’s send.”

Elizabeth’s aunt and uncle, Matthew and Debbie, help out including driving Elizabeth and Caleb to appointments, but Caleb is his mum’s day-to-day support, both practically and emotionally.

She said: “He comes to all of my medical appointments so he understands exactly what’s going on. It can be scary for him to hear things but there are also things that he needs to know just in case.”

Elizabeth’s complex health needs include heart failure, arthritis, circulatory disease, fibromyalgia and an autoimmune condition.

Caleb has been nominated in the Child of Courage category of the Your Heroes Awards by Jess Graham of North Staffs Carers.

She said: “Caleb undertakes a caring role which is beyond what would typically be expected for his age. A caring role such as this of course takes its toll on anyone, especially a young person.

“Caleb can worry when he is away from his mum but he has been really brave in joining the young carers service and as a result he has made lots of new friends and gained some much deserved respite.

“As soon as you meet Caleb it is clear what a kind, thoughtful and conscientious boy he is. He has been a part of my young carers service for a few months now and I feel as though we have quickly built up a lovely rapport.

“I recently took Caleb on a trip with some other young carers to Peak Wildlife Park and he was taking lots of photos to send to his mum. He also brought a big bag of sweets which he offered around to the whole group. That sums up how kind and friendly he is. He is a superstar.”

Elizabeth added: “It was a surprise to hear that Caleb has been nominated for a Your Heroes Award. I didn’t realise he’d made such an impression. He really is a good boy, at school and at home.”

She said that Caleb is interested in religion, nature and the solar system and enjoys collecting crystals and finding out about the healing side of nature.