Award for 13-year-old girl caring for disabled sibling

London Evening Standard/LondonA schoolgirl who cares for her brain-damaged sibling has been recognised with a national award.Cheyenne McLaughlin helps wash, feed and dress her six-year-old sister Caitlin who suffered a stroke in the womb. Now the teenager’s commitment to her younger sister has earned her a tribute from a leading charity.Actress Tamsin Greig presented Cheyenne, 13, with a Stroke Association Life After Stroke Award at a ceremony this month.About 150,000 people in the UK suffer a stroke every year including around 400 children and babies.Cheyenne, from Isleworth, has been a carer since the age of eight when her sister was born.As a result of her stroke, Caitlin suffered extensive damage to her brain. She suffers from numerous health conditions including cerebral palsy, epilepsy and severe sight problems.Cheyenne described her sister as “very special”.The teenager, who hopes to become a teacher, said: “Caitlin’s my little sister, and I want to do as much as I can to help her. Caitlin can’t do a lot of things other children can, but she’s a very special sister and I love spending time with her.”Cheyenne’s mother Sharon, 35, said her eldest daughter was a “guide” as well a “voice” for Caitlin. She said: “From the minute Cheyenne met Caitlin, I knew she would be a special sister. She’s always been eager to help Caitlin in any way she could. She’s first a guide to her sister, to keep her safe — she’s her voice when no-one else understands.“Cheyenne has taken on a massive role as a carer. Caitlin’s stroke changed all our lives but Cheyenne’s special bond with her sister makes my heart burst with pride every day.”