YOUNG Harmony Grainger-Cutting has spent the past eight years being the best older sister anyone could ask for.
The ten-year-old Heathergarth Primary Academy pupil from Bolton-upon-Dearne has been supporting her younger brother Olly, eight, since he was born, as he suffers with multiple special educational needs that leave him isolated and struggling in mainstream settings.
Olly - who has severe autism, learning difficulties, global impairment, sleep disorder, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and a chromosome mutation that has yet to be identified - is both non-verbal and a wheelchair user.
Mother Paige Amiee Cutting told the Chronicle: “She is like his second mother - she helps me prepare his snacks and puts him in the bath.
“She will proudly walk him down the street in his wheelchair and loves telling everyone about little things he does.
“But she doesn’t think it’s anything special, she turns around and says ‘I’m his sister, it’s what I’m meant to do’.
“She always makes sure he feels loved, safe and has a friend.”
Harmony has been learning makaton to better communicate with her brother, and while he still struggles to learn the form of sign language she practises sounds with him whenever they can.
Due to her experience with Olly, she has become passionate about supporting SEND (special educational needs and disabilities) children and always looks out for them at groups Olly attends.
Paige has nominated her for the Young Carer category at this year’s Young Champions, celebrating her dedication to looking after her younger brother.
“It’s not something that’s a novelty to her,” she added.
“She looks after him every day and never gets angry or upset - she’ll even pick me up when I’m down.
“As he’s been getting older and more difficult she’s not changed, never puts him down or asks why he can’t do something.
“She’s been doing it for the past eight years and shows no signs of stopping - not many ten year olds would change their brother’s bum.”
