A MOTHER has thanked a charity for providing days out to support her daughter who is a young carer.

Emma Dawson, 12, from New Barnet, looks after her mother Jane, sister Chelsey, 11, and brother George, 10, who all have cerebral palsy.

The family is supported by Barnet Young Carers and Siblings, which provides days out for Emma, who goes to East Barnet School, in Chestnut Grove, including sending her this week to the home of Chelsea football club, Stamford Bridge.

Emma’s mother, Jane, said: “She does so much for us and really deserves the days out. She has been helping us from 18 months old. She used to try and put clothes in the washing machine.

“The charity just allow her some respite and take her on days out such as going ice-skating, canoeing or the wonderful day she had going to Chelsea’s football ground.

“Her very first trip was to see Barnet Football Club play. It was great because they actually won that day and she really enjoyed herself.

“I am really proud of my children. Emma has been such a help but also her brother and sister have come leaps and bounds. Originally they were told they wouldn’t come out of their wheelchairs.

“Through hydrotherapy and exercises Chelsey came out of her wheelchair two years ago and George came out of his a year ago.

“I want to thank the charity so much for their support and hope others help them in the future.”

Barnet mayor, Councillor Lisa Rutter, chose to support the charity when she became mayor in May.

Cllr Rutter selected Barnet Young Carers and Siblings, The Outward Bound Trust and Barnet Alzheimer’s Society as her chosen charities for the year.

She recently visited the Dawson family along with 20 other families across the borough that have been supported by Barnet Young Carers and Siblings.

She said: “It is so important to raise the profile of this charity and the great work they do with the families they support.

“When I went out to see the families and what they have to face with my own eyes I realised how important the work is.

“The carers have no respite whatsoever and through they this can have that well-deserved break.”

To learn more about the charity log on to www.barnetcarers.org/young-carers