Mum’s the word for ME carer, 18

10:54am Saturday 19th July 2008

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A TEENAGER who has spent years being the primary carer for his disabled mother has been nominated in our Community Pride awards.

Alex Mills, 18, has been put forward in the Spirit Of Youth category by his mother, Pamela, for the help and care he has given to her while she suffers with ME, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome – a condition particularly characterised by profound muscle fatigue after physical exertion.

Having ME often leaves Pamela exhausted, so some days she struggles to get out of bed. Alex, who lives alone with his mother, takes care of all the household chores at their home in Copmanthorpe.

Pamela said: “It has just been the two of us since Alex was three-years-old and since he was 11, Alex has been by main carer. He does cooking, cleaning, decorating, gardening and housework. I have ME and spinal problems and he has had to phone ambulances for me when I am ill and look after me the days I cannot get out of bed.”

Despite the hours he spends each week to care for his mother, Alex has also excelled academically and volunteers for charity projects.

Pamela said: “Alex is very bright at school and has never used my illness as an excuse to get out of coursework or not to attend school.

“He achieved 13 GCSEs ranging from A* to Bs and he has just finished his A-levels and hopes to go in to university in York so he can still be around for me.

“He has also worked at Tadcaster Grammar in lunch times in a group they run for people with bullying problems and lack of confidence. Also he has helped raise funds for a school in Africa and works voluntarily with disabled youths.

“Alex is always ready to help where he can, besides all that he does for me. He has been left to shoulder a lot of responsibility from such an early age, so I would like Alex to receive this award so all that he has done can be appreciated.”

The Spirit Of Youth award is sponsored by Nestlé Confectionery (UK).

The deadline for nominees for The Press’s Community Pride Awards is Wednesday.

If you know of someone who has made an outstanding contribution to the community, we would love to hear about them before this deadline.

To nominate someone, fill in the coupon that accompanies this article and send in a non-returnable picture of your nominee along with a supporting statement setting out why your nominee deserves an award.

Send nominations to Community Pride Awards, Paula Homer, The Press, 76-86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN. Alternatively, you can email us at editor@thepress.co.uk