News / disability
Schoolgirl carer nominated for award
A young carer has been nominated for a WellChild Award for her work supporting her little sister.
Kirianna, 12, from Longwell Green, cares for seven-year-old Zeniah who has a life-limiting condition and complex medical needs.
She fundraises for charities, makes sure Zeniah’s needs are met at school and helps her physically and emotionally.
She even learned sign language Makaton so she could communicate with her.
Kirianna learned sign language Makaton to help understand Zeniah – photo: Jessie May
“I usually tell people what condition she’s got and what it is, then say it doesn’t really matter because she’s still my sister,” she said.
Mum Dana explained how being a young carer affects Kirianna in all areas of her life.
“Sometimes sibling carers are coming into school and you don’t know what’s gone on that morning,” she said.
“Kirianna may have had to deal with 12 paramedics in the house overnight with Zeniah being admitted to hospital, then show up for school ready to learn the next day.
“She’s brilliant – a daughter and sibling who does so much without ever asking for praise.”
Zeniah has rare genetic disorder Mowat‑Wilson Syndrome – photo: Jessie May
Zeniah has Mowat‑Wilson Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting her communication, mobility, and sensory processing, and causing seizures.
Children’s hospice Jessie May supports the household, with nurses not only helping Zeniah but also providing respite to her family.
At school, Kirianna has a student mentor and time-out pass to use as she needs.
The WellChild Awards in which she has been nominated celebrate children and young people who are dealing with serious illness, as well as the family members and nurses who care for them.
Main photo: Jessie May
Read next:
- Jessie May raises £232,649 in urgent appeal
- Children’s hospice care charity to launch 36-hour matched giving campaign
- Caring for Bristol’s young carers
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