TEENAGER Keeley Holford broke down in tears when she found out she had won the Carer of the Year award in our Lockdown Heroes.

The 16-year-old, who has been a carer for most of her childhood, could hardly speak as she became emotional when Dr Hilary congratulated her on her achievement.

Keeley, who attends Green Lane School in Woolston, has been a young carer since the age of seven – she looks after her mum who has various health conditions, as well as her seven-year-old sister, helping her with homework, baths and getting dressed.

Dr Hilary told her: “I am in awe of you when I hear about you starting as a carer at such a young age, at the age of six looking after your mum, looking after your sister as well, and then you had to balance all this, the practical work, with your schoolwork and homework.

“Yes, you can shed a tear, that’s absolutely fine. I am nearly shedding one now myself I can tell you.

“I never had to do anything like that – you are so inspiring and I am so pleased you have won this.

“You are an inspiration to anyone else of any age. Have a good cry – tears of joy.”

Keeley was nominated by Wired Young Carers ‘for all the incredible things she does every day’.

Fiona Jenkins, Wired Young Carers service manager, said that young carers are challenged every day and Covid has put them under more pressure than ever.

Fiona said: “Keeley is a kind, compassionate, caring and a bright individual who lights up a room when she enters.

“She is always upbeat and supportive to her peers and a role model to other young carers.”

Fiona added: “Keeley cooks, cleans, does the washing and supports her mum with practical needs, especially when dad is at work. As well as keeping up to date with her homework, Keeley’s will to succeed is inspiring.”

Earlier in the year Keeley was unable to return to school as the risk of her catching Covid and passing this onto her mother was too high.

Keeley is a member of the Wired Young Carers Ambassadors Group and in the process of training as a mentor at Warrington Youth Club.

  HIGHLY COMMENDED: Chloe Cooke COMMENDED: Donna Fisher