Mean so much

family, no matter who you are, most people would step up to do anything for someone they love.”

But 54-year-old Audrey doesn’t believe it’s as straightforward as that and said: “It is the simple things that make all the difference – like putting on socks.

“People think ; ‘What ’s so difficult about that?’ But if you can’t stretch down to get to your toes, you need someone to do it for you.

“I think you have to be a certain type of person to be a young carer. You must have the ability to go with the flow, be able to adapt, put someone else first. And, with the best will in the world, that’s not everyone. You have to have that bit inside you that is willing to give up things, as well as the ability to accept things.

“Nothing fazes Hannah. She is bright. She’s a joker with a good sense of humour and she really cheers me up.

“She has never tried to hide the fact that this is what I’m like. I asked if she’s embarrassed, because my walking can be so bad some days. She looked at me with disgust and said: ‘Absolutely not! Let them think what they want.’ She is amazing. I’m exceedingly proud of her.

“I do feel guilty, big time. And that was one of the reasons I first approached Young Carers for help and advice. They have been amazing, not only for Hannah but for when I have been worrying. I only came across the organisation because a friend of mine from church, who belonged to adult carers, mentioned it.

“Yo u n g c a r e r s a r e o f t e n overlooked. I genuinely think that, with the way they have helped Hannah and have helped us, there should be more awareness of what they do. It has made such a difference. Hannah has someone to talk to who understands, and that’s a relief.

“She is fortunate to have a lot of friends, but few of them understand what she goes through. People at Young Carers not only understand, but they help.

“When she has a Zoom call, her face lights up and when she comes off the phone she is buzzing. It takes a certain type of person to do what they do, and I have tremendous respect for them. Working in caring is not easy and teenagers can be difficult.

“They are not much older than the kids themselves, so young carers can talk to them at the same level without challenging what they say.”

Asked if she ever thinks: “Why me?,” Hannah replied: “When my mum has really bad days, I think: ‘Why did this happen to my mum?’ I think that about my mum, not about me. That’s when I get upset. I don’t mind helping. It is actually nice to think someone needs me. My mum needs me.”