Child of Courage nomination – Katie and Charlie Gallimore

Child of Courage nomination – Katie and Charlie Gallimore

Teenagers Katie and Charlie Gallimore have been young carers for their mum, who has multiple sclerosis, since they were at primary school.

The siblings, now aged 16 and 13, help with housework, prepare meals and Katie helps their mum with personal care such as helping her to get dressed.

Katie and Charlie, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, have been nominated in the Child of Courage category of the Your Heroes Awards by Jess Graham, Young Carers Wellness Worker at North Staffs Carers.

Their mum, Dawn Gallimore, said: “It was around 11 years ago, when Katie was aged about five years, when she first started being a carer. I had a really bad shoulder problem which meant I couldn’t move my neck and arms properly so she started to help me get dressed.

“I couldn’t drive or walk her to school so her nana would come in the mornings to take her to school and her dad would make sure he was home to pick her up. She was about six years old when she first went to Young Carers.

“Katie now makes meals for her and her brother at night times. She’s at catering college in Stafford, comes home and cooks.”

Dawn added: “I’m very proud of them both. I couldn’t ask for more from them. They do more than their peers are doing at home and we do try to rewards them for things.”