'I'd love a normal life, but being a 17-year-old carer means sacrifices'
A 17-year-old student, Ava-Grace Britton, shares the challenges of balancing her education with her responsibilities as a full-time carer for her father. Her story highlights the hidden population of young carers in the UK who often sacrifice their social and academic lives.
Why it matters
The article sheds light on the significant, often overlooked, societal contribution of young carers and the lack of support systems for them.
Image source, Other Image caption, Ava-Grace Britton, 17, is a carer for her father Paul and says she worries about him "all the time"
Ava-Grace Britton is 17 and studying acting at college in north London. She likes going out, seeing her friends and wants to go to university next year.
Unlike most of her peers, however, she also cares for her father, Paul, who has significant mobility and memory issues after suffering a series of strokes eight years ago.
Along with her mother Karen, Ava-Grace monitors Paul's blood glucose levels, gives him medication and helps with dinner and jobs around the house.
"I worry about him all the time," Ava-Grace told the BBC. "Before I go to college I help him and most days I have to return home quickly to look after him."
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