Press release -
13-year-old carer wins national award
Cheyenne McLaughlin, 13, from Isleworth, Middlesex, has been presented with a Stroke Association Life After Stroke Award. Cheyenne was presented with the charity’s Carer’s Award by star of stage and screen, Tamsin Greig, on Wednesday 12 June.
Cheyenne became a carer at the age of eight, after her baby sister Caitlin had a stroke hours before she was born. As a result of her stroke, Caitlin developed extensive brain damage and was born with a number of different conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe visual impairment.
Cheyenne’s mother, Sharon McLaughlin, 35, said: “From the minute Cheyenne met Caitlin in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I knew she would be a special sister. She has always been eager to help Caitlin in any way she could. She's first to guide her sister, to keep her safe - she's her voice when no-one else understands Caitlin. Cheyenne has taken on a massive role as a carer. Caitlin’s stroke changed all our lives, but Cheyenne’s special bond with her sister makes my heart burst with pride every day.”
Cheyenne said: “Caitlin’s my little sister, and I want to do as much as I can to help her. Caitlin can’t do a lot of things other children can, but she’s a very special sister and I love spending time with her. Most days I help wash and dress Caitlin, get her ready for school and feed her breakfast.
“I like to do as much as I can to help other disabled children like Caitlin, and hope to become a teacher one day. When I found out I’d won the Life After Stroke Award, I thought it was an April Fool. It still hasn’t sunk in!”
The Stroke Association’s Life After Stroke Awards, sponsored by TONI&GUY Charitable Foundation,
recognise the courage shown by stroke survivors and carers as well as the great work and commitment shown by health professionals, groups and supporter organisations.
Jon Barrick, Stroke Association Chief Executive, said: “These awards are all about celebrating the
passion and determination of people who show that there is life after stroke. We are delighted to pay tribute to the support Cheyenne gives her family and the remarkable work she carries out each day as a carer. She has much to be proud of at such a young age.”
Ends
For further information, case studies, interviews and images please contact the Stroke Association’s media team on 020 7566 1500 or email press@stroke.org.uk
For urgent out of hours media enquiries only please call 07799 436 008. ISDN facilities available.
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A stroke is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, caused by a clot or bleeding in the brain. There are around 152,000 strokes in the UK every year and it is the leading cause of severe adult disability. There are over 1.2 million people in the UK living with the effects of stroke.
Stroke Association is a charity. We believe in life after stroke and we’re leading a community of people to change the world for people affected by stroke. We work directly with stroke survivors and their families and carers, with health and social care professionals and with scientists and researchers. We campaign to improve stroke care and support people to make the best recovery they can. We fund research to develop new treatments and ways of preventing stroke. The Stroke Helpline (0303 303 3100) provides information and support on stroke. More information can be found at ww.stroke.org.uk
