An East Renfrewshire schoolgirl has joined The One Show’s epic fundraising bid for BBC Children in Need and will be mentored by Roman Kemp.
Erin is one of four inspirational youths who will be championed by famous faces Roman, Jermaine Jenas, Alex Jones, and Vernon Kay as they undertake personal challenges to make a difference to young lives.
All of the youngsters involved have benefitted from BBC Children in Need funding, including 15-year-old Erin who is a carer for her mum Sinead.
In the run up to the Appeal Show, the challenges are being shown on BBC One's The One Show each evening along with the young people’s inspiring stories.
Erin said: “I can’t wait to represent the East Renfrewshire Young Carers in my challenge and I hope I will make my mum, dad and carers everywhere across the UK proud.”
Mum Sinead was diagnosed with a rare form of multiple sclerosis (MS) in 2016 and since then the condition has made staying mobile and completing basic household jobs increasingly hard.
Erin’s story highlights the mental health impact on young carers who help to emotionally support and look after a loved one.
Over the years her role as a young carer has gradually increased as her mum has become less physically able to support herself.
Neither Erin nor her family had considered her a young carer until they were introduced to East Renfrewshire Young Carers by Erin’s pastoral care teacher.
The project has a grant from BBC Children in Need which helps them to provide a safe space for young carers to share concerns, get respite from their role at home and to make friends with shared experiences.
“I want to use this opportunity to spread the message to all carers around the UK that they are not alone and that there is support available to them,” added the teen.
“It took me a long time to recognise that being a young carer can be tough, but that reaching out for help is essential.”
The Challenge Squad for Children in Need was introduced on The One Show last Thursday.
Two of the challenges will take place live on the appeal show, which takes place on November 17.
Audiences can also look forward to two very moving performances on the night, one of which will include some extra special Strictly sparkle.
TV personality and radio host Roman said: “I am proud to join the Challenge Squad on their journeys to encourage conversations that can help and to shine a light on the brilliant work of BBC Children in Need’s incredible projects that really do change young lives when they need it most.
“I hope that the stories and journeys of the powerful young individuals in the Challenge Squad inspire others to challenge themselves and make a difference.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here