Big-hearted brother up for carer award (From Daily Echo)

Big-hearted brother up for carer award

12:19pm Wednesday 28th November 2007 in

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WITH younger twin siblings who have Down's Syndrome Sean Gonzalez Lambert is more than just a big brother.

He is, in fact, a constant source of help and support to mum Francesca in the busy day-to-day life that comes with bringing up disabled children and running a home.

The 17-year-old Taunton's College A level student has been nominated for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award, supported by Southampton Lions which every year helps many deserving individuals and good causes.

Despite juggling the demands of his caring responsibilities and household chores Sean, who has 14 GCSEs, from Bellemoor School, also plays football and has a part-time job in a local fish and chip shop.

He said: "I just get on with the cooking and other household things. Most teenagers I know would not be bothered with doing the housework.

"I don't really know how I manage. I have the support of my mum, my friends and members of the Southampton Young Carers' Project."

His mum Francesca said that Sean had to "grow up very quickly" after she had her twins Eric and Joe, now aged six, as well as daughter Amber, aged eight.

Disabled twins The family of Foundry Lane, Freemantle, Southampton, are fortunate to receive regular respite care breaks from foster carers who look after the twins some weekends.

Francesca, 43, a former Southampton University administrator, said: "I am a single parent and Sean does an awful lot to help me. He is a huge support to me emotionally.

"He helps me in the morning when Eric and Joe get up and offers to help prepare breakfast and prepare them for school.

"He will change dirty nappies which is not very nice for him and put the bins out without having to be asked.

"I could not take the boys out on my own. He is like a second carer and supports the boys in all sorts of ways."

Leonie Warnick of the Southampton Young Carers' Group nominated Sean for the junior section of the Young Carer award, supported by Southampton Lions.

She said: "Sean will do anything for his mother, sister and brothers."