12-year-old Anya Olweny, from Matlock, received a WellChild Award for the care and compassion she gives to her 15-year-old brother Edward.
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00:0012-year-old Anya loves outdoors, animals and basketball. She also plays tenor horn in her
00:14brass band and enjoys playing with her older brother Edward. Edward was born with a chromosome
00:20disorder, is developmentally delayed and severely short-sighted. He is 15 years old but developmentally
00:28is the age of an 18-month-old. Anya helps her mum care for Edward. She plays with him and keeps him
00:34occupied and safe when their mum has to do the day-to-day household chores. When the family go
00:40out for walks, Edward needs to hold someone's hand so he doesn't trip over or run towards the road.
00:46Anya will happily hold his hand to help keep him safe despite his sometimes challenging behaviour.
00:53Anya and Edward have enjoyed spending time outside together in the accessible garden created for them
00:59by Wellchild and now love helping with the farm animals in their new home. The family have attended
01:07inclusive days out and been involved in craft projects for Wellchild, something that their mum
01:13Gemma would have found even more challenging without Anya by her side. Gemma describes Anya
01:20as her second-in-command and praises the support she provides without her help. Gemma would find
01:27looking after Edward much more difficult. Anya misses out on doing things that other children
01:33can do as Edward's needs often have to come before hers. Unless he is in respite care, the family
01:40cannot go to the cinema or do fun outdoor activities that Anya loves to do. Anya remains the kind girl
01:47she has always been. She has empathy beyond her years and understands what it's like to feel left out.
01:54She accepts everyone for who they are and having grown up around children with special educational
02:00needs, she is keen to make sure everyone feels included. The support she provides to her mum as
02:06well as her kindness, patience and empathy to her brother make her a truly deserving inspirational
02:13sibling. Wellchild award winner. Congratulations Anya. Well done Anya, you've done amazing.
02:20Congratulations Anya. Congratulations Anya. Congratulations Anya. We're proud of you.