A student from Derry has been shortlisted for an award by the national disability charity, Sense.
Sense supports children, young people and adults in their home and in the community, in their education and transition to adulthood and through its holidays, arts, sports and wellbeing programmes.
The Sense Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of people with complex disabilities, as well as the staff, carers, family members, volunteers and fundraisers who support them.
18-year-old Emma has been shortlisted for the 2021 ‘Young Sibling of the Year’ Award at the annual Sense Awards - in recognition of the selfless support she provided to her brother John, who has complex needs, while also studying for her A-Levels last year.
The pandemic has been particularly challenging time for Emma and her family and not only did Emma have online learning and A-levels to deal with, she cared for John when he was hospitalised on several occasions.
During each hospital stay Emma would stay by John’s side while also studying for her exams and even cancelled her A-level celebration when John had a seizure on the day she received her results.
Emma is a core part of Sense and the charity's ethos, as for the past 10 years she has also attended local Sense event where she is always on hand to help with young siblings from other families too.
Emma said: “I am delighted to be chosen as a finalist and feel privileged to be recognised for something that to me is just normal daily life.”
Sense Chief Executive, Richard Kramer, said: “Emma’s dedication to her brother is incredible and shows the amazing bond between siblings, supporting each other no matter what. Emma always puts John’s needs first and we are delighted to shortlist Emma as our 2021 ‘Young Sibling of the Year’.”
Winners of the Sense Awards will be announced on November 25.
Find more information about the Sense Awards here.
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