Help is close at hand (From Daily Echo)

Help is close at hand

3:13pm Thursday 29th November 2007 in

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SISTERS Gemma and Kelly Dando help to care for their stepdad who suffers from depression and have been nominated for the Daily Echo Carer of the Year award, supported by Southampton Lions.

The girls take it in turns to stay with Mark, 43, and make sure he takes his medication at the correct times if their mother Patricia needs to leave the family home in Larch Road, Coxford, Southampton.

Gemma, nine, who attends Fairisle Juniors' and 12-year-old Kelly, who goes to Millbrook Community School, are always ready to help around the house.

Mum Patricia, who had to give up her job to look after Mark full-time, said: "My husband can't go out on his own but one of them will always go out with him. They're both a godsend. They've coped so well with their father's illness and are very caring."

Leonie Warnick of the Southampton Young Carers' Project nominated Gemma and Kelly. She said: "Both are lovely girls and so loyal and caring within their family"

l The Daily Echo is running the Carer of the Year Awards in conjunction with Southampton Lions.

Preparations are under way for the Lions' fundraising dinner dance on March 1 and the club is appealing for businesses which might like to help with the raffle and auction prizes.

If you can help call 0845 833 5835.