CAITLIN Sherwood is a six-year-old girl whose parents credit her with keeping them going throughout a tough year which has seen their youngest child diagnosed with epilepsy.
In October last year, Hannah, one, started suffering fits which were initially thought to be related to her high temperature. But things quickly took a turn for the worst and Hannah suffered 15 fits in four months.
Alison said her eyes would roll to the back of her head and her mouth would froth. Hannah's fits were investigated further after she had fits without a high temperature.
On one occasion, when Hannah had been taken to hospital because she was having a fit, she another severe fit and a medical team were placed on standby in case she stopped breathing or her heart stopped. She was diagnosed with epilepsy in March.
As well as having to adjust herself to her sister's diagnosis, Caitlin has been a tower of strength for her parents Alison, 34, and Jonathan, 35, of Burton Bank Road, Monk Bretton. Hannah's condition is treated with a liquid medication to prevent the fits, though she has still suffered a couple of mild ones.
Alison said: "Caitlin has had a lot to deal with. As parents we've struggled ourselves, but Caitlin has been amazing throughout. She's been an amazing big sister caring for Hannah, spending time with her and reading her stories when visiting her in hospital and throughout all her illness so far. On top of all this and despite getting upset sometimes, Caitlin's achievements at school continue to be good. She has received awards for reading, and other awards from her teacher.
Alison added: "She is an amazing little girl and one who is so kind. She said she didn't want to show her emotion because she didn't want us to panic and I told her she didn't have to be strong for us.
"Several 'play dates' with friends had to be cancelled due to her sister being ill and although she was disappointed she always said her sister came first. I don't know if this is worthy of one of the awards, but I didn't want to pass up the chance if it is. I'm so proud of my daughter and how kind, thoughtful and caring she is. She has really kept her dad and I going through all of this."
