Carer Award

CRITERIA: Someone who looks after or helps others, whether family members at home, in their community, or in their day-to-day career. They may care for animals that need help. They may do the shopping for people, run errands, clean around the house, tidy gardens, or just keep someone company.

Rachel  Shaw

Rachel Shaw is an inspirational 16-year-old from Oswestry, who is currently studying for her A-Levels at Walford and North Shropshire College.

She is also a British Red Cross Young Carer, part of a Shropshire-based group, the only one of its kind in the UK, which meets every month, and she chairs the Red Cross Young Carers Youth Forum.

Like thousands of other young people, she is a young person who has found herself having to either physically or emotionally care for a member of the family, at home.

“We talk about plans, and the health package we aim to implement,” Rachel says.

“Our aim is to educate doctors and health professionals in how to treat young carers in a more adult manner.

“It’s good to spread awareness about young carers,” added Rachel, who did a 15-minute presentation in March at the Red Cross National Assembly in Manchester, in front of 800 people.

Rachel is a shining example of a young carer who takes an active role in supporting her counterparts. Referring to their regular meetings, she says: “It gives us the chance to breathe, and be kids again.”

Philip Ray

Philip Ray, from Wellington, has been nominated by his brother Shaun.

The 16-year-old is currently studying for GCSE exams at Charlton School, while earning some extra pocket money at Catherine’s Bakery Stall at Wellington Market on a Saturday.

Shaun says: “Since Philip was seven years old, he has assisted his great aunt Nancy, who is now 93. He helps her with her garden, takes her to the shops, takes her to the hairdressers and has generally been some much-needed company for her at home.”

Philip also broadcasts an internet radio shows, for which he does not get paid, and gives up his free time to help organise events at school.

“Nothing ever seems too much trouble for my brother,” Shaun says.

“He is always cheerful, he spends time with my daughter, playing with her – he never says he hasn’t got time. Philip is so polite and well mannered and a true credit to our mother.”

Sarah Thomas

“She is the most amazing, helpful and compassionate person I have ever met.” That’s how Allie Morgan describes Sarah Thomas.

Sarah, from Copthorne in Shrewsbury, gives up a significant proportion of her spare time caring for her mother, Carole, who has suffered from Multiple Sclerosis for 28 years.

Allie, from Bicton Heath, nominated best friend Sarah for this year’s Pride of Shropshire carer award, saying: “Sarah is the youngest member of the MS Society, which she has been with since she was ten years old.

“Sarah does an amazing job looking after her mother, and I really admire her. She is one of my best friends, and I think that she has done really well to cope with all of the pressures of being a young carer. I think that she really deserves this award.”

Sarah holds the record as the youngest ever finalist in the Shropshire Star’s Star Woman of the Year competition.

Her dedication has seen her win young carer awards and she also plays a vital role on the committee of Shrewsbury’s MS branch, particularly in fundraising.