MS Letters: To other young carers
Oliver is 12 years old and lives with his mum Jen, who has primary progressive MS. He’s a ‘young carer’ who helps support his mum. Here, he shares his story to help others understand what it’s like to support a family member with MS.
Hi, this is my letter to other kids like me.
My mum was diagnosed with primary progressive MS when I was six. I’m nearly 13 now.
At first, Mum didn’t need much help. We could still go on amazing adventures together, like seeing whales and climbing glaciers in Iceland, and swimming with dolphins in Madeira. Mum even went ziplining down a huge waterfall in Jamaica.
Mum used to have loads of energy. But as I’ve grown up, I’ve seen her struggle to do things she used to find really easy.
Mum still really tries to do everything she can to make sure I have a great childhood. But now, she needs a lot more help – and I’m proud to be her young carer.
Helping my mum every day
Being a young carer means I help Mum with lots of things, like lifting, carrying, doing chores, and helping her with her wheelchair and scooter.
I do quite enjoy pushing my mum super fast in her wheelchair! And Mum enjoys zooming off on her scooter, so I have to run after her!
The ups and downs as a young carer
Being a young carer can be hard. It can be frustrating as I don’t always get to do the same things my friends do, like go for long walks as a family, or spend the day at a theme park.
I also do a lot of chores at home. I’m a really good cook, and I look after our pets. But sometimes I hate having so much to do.
But it can also have its fun side. I’m registered with the council and my school as young carer which means I sometimes get to do activities with other kids like me.
This year, I was really proud to win Kent’s ‘Exceptional Young Carer of the Year’ award. I bought myself an Xbox with the prize money!
Finding support
It can feel really unfair sometimes.
When I feel frustrated, I talk to my parents, friends, or family. And if I need more support, I can ask my school to contact a young carers’ group.
I think it’s very important to know how to get support if you need it. I wouldn’t want any young carers out there to feel sad, lonely, frustrated or angry without help.
I think these feelings are really normal.
“You’re not alone”
I’d like other young people to know you’re not alone.
There are lots of children helping their mums, dads and family members with disabilities.
Some children help a little bit, some help a lot, but all the help we give is really important.
My biggest wish
My mum is still my mum, and I love her. But I’d love her to be able to do the things she used to do. It’s horrible seeing her struggle.
One of my biggest wishes is that researchers find a cure or more treatments for MS.
It would change so many lives.
If you’re dealing with some of the same things as me, I hope this letter reminds you that you’re not alone.
From, Oliver
Find out about support for young carers
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