TWO sisters who help their parents care for their younger sister who has a rare genetic condition have been nominated for a Proud of Barnsley award.
Emily Kitson, six, was diagnosed with Rett syndrome about three years ago.
Since the diagnosis, her older sisters Charlotte, 11, and Chloe, eight, have done everything they can to support their parents Amy and Brian, and to raise money and awareness about the condition.
Rett syndrome affects brain development, resulting in mental and physical disability.
Amy, 38, of Chapel Lane, Carlton, said: “Emily was 18 months to two-years-old when we knew something was wrong.
“She could say ten or 15 worlds and regressed that skill. She doesn’t talk at all now.
“She lost some motor skills, she can’t dress herself, we need to do everything for her. She can walk.
“She has a wheelchair but we have tried to keep her walking because some girls can lose their mobility.
“They can also develop things like epilepsy. It’s an ongoing thing and you have to watch out for these things.
“It was quite a big thing for the kids to find out, with Emily being their little sister.
“It was quite hard for them and they would get a bit upset, especially Chloe who is closer in age to Emily. She would say it wasn’t fair.
“But she is their little sister. They help me and understand as young carers that they help out and that she does take a lot of my time.
“They are great kids, they sit with her, read to her and pass me things when I am looking after her.”
Charlotte and Chloe both attended Meadstead Primary, and Emily attended the nursery.
Charlotte is now at Outwood Academy and Emily attends Greenacre.
The two sisters held a stall at the Meadstead summer fair to raise awareness and sold buns and jewellery, and plan to hold another at the Christmas fair.
They are also helping to fundraise for Rett UK. Amy and Brian are running the London Marathon next year in aid of the charity and the girls are helping them to reach their fundraising target.
They have been nominated by Nichola Smith, headteacher at Meadstead, who said: “These girls are outstanding role models for all they work hard in school but do all they can to help support their youngest sister.
“These two inspirational young ladies deserve to be nominated as they always put the needs of their sister before their own and never once have they complained.
“These are two outstanding little heroes.”
