A selfless Scots schoolgirl who looks after her disabled brother has opened up on her life as a young carer - admitting she carries "more worries" than most other kids her own age.
Heather Mckinlay, 12, from Ayr, has helped to look after her younger brother, Connor, who suffers from cerebral palsy, her whole life. Heather helps her parents to supervise the 11-year-old at all times as he is non-verbal, wheelchair-bound and has no danger awareness.
She also helps out around the house, often pitching in with tidying up, hoovering, putting the washing away and helps to cook meals when her mum and dad are busy. Heather says the lifestyle is normal to her and that it is "all she has ever known", but admits she often worries for Connor when she isn't with him.
Speaking of her experiences in light of Carers Week, she said: “It’s all I’ve ever known and it’s just normal to me, but I know most other children my age have more spare time than I do. It’s not something that bothers me though because Connor makes me really happy.
"I think I do have more worries than most children my age. I think about Connor a lot when he’s at school in case something happens to make him unhappy."
The siblings live with their mum, Shona, a full-time carer, and dad Billy, a warehouse supervisor. Shona says Connor dotes on his big sister, who she recognises is always in the back of her daughter's mind.
The mum-of-two told how Heather always puts Connor first but, as a result, she carries "an older head on her shoulders".
The 45-year-old said: "Connor adores Heather and she feels the same about him. He always comes first in her book, but we make sure she knows that there’s nothing she has to do at home. It’s not her job or responsibility; it’s mine and her dad’s.
“We certainly have our disagreements - as with any other 12-year-old - but she just gets on with it, 99 percent of the time with a smile on her face. She’s amazing. She worries about what will happen in five or ten years’ time."
Shona added: "She’s still young but often has an older head on her shoulders. Heather says things like she will go to the local university when the time comes so she can stay near to Connor. She always has him at the back of her mind, but we do everything we can to take the weight away from her.”
Outside of school, Heather attends Guides which gives her the chance to forget her worries. The sessions offer her the opportunity to relax, enjoy herself and hang out with her friends.
She said: "Going to Guides gives me the chance to have fun and not worry about things at home. I forget about everything else while I’m there and enjoy being in the moment."
Mum Shona added: “Heather has fun at all of her clubs but Guides is especially great because it gives her the chance to do so many activities that we can’t do as a family.
“We can't go anywhere too noisy or busy with Connor, and it’s very difficult to travel with him. Heather especially loves going away on camp with Guides because of this. I’m so happy for her that she gets the chance to have adventures and learn skills for life."
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