SHE is a young carer who strives to make a difference to everyone around her.

When Becky Woolford is not at school, work or caring for her parents, all of her free time is spent supporting charities and volunteering with St John Ambulance and Alresford library.

Now the teenager’s hard work has been recognised as she has been nominated for the Daily Echo’s Community Star Campaign.

The 16-year-old, from Alresford, looks after her mum, who is recovering from breast cancer, and her dad, who has bipolar disorder and limited mobility after a back injury.

As well as providing both parents with emotional support, she helps her dad in and out of bed, cooks for the family, takes on all of the chores and looks after her youngest brother.

And when she’s not at home the youngster is caring for the community, volunteering as a cadet with St John Ambulance at events and completing first aid training.

Yet when her friend Vanessa Jane Hanks died of mouth cancer aged 37, she still found time to help raise thousands for The Mouth Cancer Foundation by completing a fundraising walk through Hyde Park in London.

Becky was nominated for the award by Winchester and District Young Carers for her hard work both at home and in the community.

The youngster is passionate about raising awareness of young carers so that others know where they can go for support, and she has also represented the Winchester organisation by speaking at school assemblies and presentations and taking part in fundraising events.

Becky, a Winchester News Extra papergirl who also works for Jeremy France Jewellers, said: “I just find it really fulfilling and it’s good to give something back.

“I joined Winchester and District Young Carers when I was eight and we did lots of fundraising activities and it’s just grown and grown.

“It’s amazing how much Young Carers has grown since I started.”

n THE Community Star campaign, in association with Aster, will run until Friday, August 22, when Daily Echo editor-in-chief Ian Murray, Aster’s regional director Jean Dalziel and their customer board member John Cockaday will choose the winners.

First place will receive £500 and £250 to a charity of their choice, second place will be given £250 and £100 to charity, then six highly commended nominations will be given £100 and £50 to charity.

A community star can be any member of the public who goes above and beyond to serve their community.

If you know a Community Star in Southampton, Winchester, Fareham, Eastleigh or the New Forest contact us at newsdesk@dailyecho.co.uk or ring 023 8042 4522.