THE story of an inspiring 12-year-old girl from Wrexham has been told as part of Young Carers Action Day (Wednesday, March 16).
There are young, unsung heroes in nearly every neighbourhood throughout the UK - many of whom look after someone they love.
One such kind-hearted young carer is Maisie Minors who has been helping to look after her seven-year-old brother, Leo, as he overcame his battle with Leukaemia.
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Maisie is brimming with positivity, in spite of the fact that it has been a tough few years for her family.
The treatment for Leukaemia has affected Leo’s nerves which means that some days he can’t walk as he has pain in his feet/legs as well as in his hands.
But Maisie has stayed strong throughout. Her key message is to "Be kind as sometimes children have things going on at home that you don’t know about."
Talking to the Credu Connecting Carers team recently she said: "I love helping my mum to look after Leo. Sometimes when he has a meltdown he only lets me cuddle him and that makes him feel better. It makes me feel proud that I can help him to feel better.
"It’s hard when Leo has to go into hospital as sometimes he can be there for 4 days and mum stays with him so I miss them both. I also worry a lot about Leo.
PIC: Maisie and brother Leo.
"I know if Leo was unwell or in hospital, our WCD Outreach Worker, Leanne, would phone me to see if I was ok. I like talking to Leanne she’s really nice.
"I love the young carer groups and activities as it gives me a chance to be myself and do what I want to do and I have made some amazing friends at young carers.
"It can be hard being a young carer and it can be lonely but you don’t have to do it on your own. Joining young carers was the best thing ever because it makes you realise that you’re not the only young carer and they can give you lots of support."
Maisie's proud Mum, Lisa Minors, is so inspired by her own daughter and other Young Carers, she has even become a WCD Young Carers Outreach Worker.
She said: "Maisie is a shining star. She is my right arm at home and I honestly don’t know what I would do without her.
"She has the strongest ever bond with her brother. She is so caring and is the first person to welcome newcomers at the WCD Young Carers group to make sure they are not alone.
"I’m so, so proud of her and the way she handles anything that comes her way. She has been by even attending hospital visits when his anxiety makes it difficult for him to leave the house."
PIC: The brother and sister have an inseparable bond.
Lisa is also incredibly proud of her son Leo who she describes as ‘the strongest boy I know’.
If you want to find out more about local support for just call WCD Young Carers (01597) 823800 or email info@wcdyc.org.uk
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