Child of Courage nominee – Wynter Farthing
Child of Courage nominee – Wynter Farthing
At just eight years old Wynter Farthing is a carer for her older brother and helps her deaf mum care for her two-year-old twin siblings.
The Bentilee schoolgirl communicates with her mum using sign language, including while they’re out and about.
When her mum is occupied with her older brother, who has autism and a global development delay, it’s Wynter who feeds and dresses the other children in the house and takes them to the toilet.
She is the voice and ears of the household, alerting her mum if the younger children are crying, if water is running, the doorbell or phone are ringing or there are visitors or deliveries at the door.
Despite all her responsibilities and the challenges life puts in her way, Wynter stays positive and always has a smile on her face.
She has been nominated as a Child of Courage in the Your Heroes Awards by Chelsie Hughes, Young Carers Support Worker at North Staffs Carers.
Chelsie said: “Wynter is a young carer who cares for her big brother, Jayden, and also supports her mum, Gemma. Jayden has autism and also global developmental delay, meaning he presents younger than he is and needs some extra support day to day.
“Wynter also has two younger siblings that live in the household. Wynter sometimes has to take on a bit of an adult role in the house to support mum with Jayden and her other siblings.
“Wynter can be the voice and the ears of the household and alerts her mum, who is deaf, to any safety issues in the home. When mum is supporting Jayden, Wynter will often help her young siblings with dressing, feeding and toileting.
“Wynter is also able to sign. She can communicate with her mum well and is confident using this and does this very well.
“Wynter experiences such a lot at home and has to spend a lot of the time on alert to help out when her mum needs her to and also be the listening ear in the home, meaning she doesn’t get much time to herself or much time to switch off.
“Despite having all of this to contend with, Wynter is always very happy, smiley and lovely every time I see her. She always remains positive even when she admits to having a tough day with her caring role.
“She is so resilient and it is fantastic to see a young girl take on such responsibility, learn exciting skills such as sign language and support her family all whilst treating others with respect, positivity and love. “
Wynter’s mum, Gemma Farthing, said: “I am so happy that Wynter has been given the opportunity to be nominated and to be recognised for what a kind, caring young lady she is.
“She makes me proud every day. Her communication with me is brilliant. She’s always proud to sign with me when we’re out and about.
“She’s very loving and kind to her older brother who has autism. She always gives him cuddles, always makes him smile and laugh and encourages him do things. She guides him by holding his hand and prompting him to do things. It’s lovely to see a brother/sister bond in their own way. She’s also a fantastic big sister to her two younger siblings.”