Remarkable young boy honoured for helping care for ill mother

Sep 29 2011 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A REMARKABLE young boy has been honoured for helping to care for his ill mother.

Callum Hart, 6, offers vital support to his mum Debbie White, who is battling a brain tumour.

The Peel Primary pupil was aged just two when his mother was first diagnosed but has shown maturity beyond his years in dealing with his mum’s condition.

Young Callum comforts his mum and calls for help if his mum takes unwell or has a seizure at their Eliburn home.

And now his efforts have been recognised by charity Brain Tumour Buddies, who made Callum their inaugural Inspirational Young Person of the year award.

Natalya Jagger from the charity, which offers information and support to anyone affected by a brain tumour, presented Callum with his award at a special fun day organised by his nanny, Linda White.

Linda talked of her pride in what Callum does for his mum.

“He does such much for his mum and he’s such a star,” she said.

“He’s my little cherub. He’s had to cope with so much at a young age but he takes it all in his stride. He was just turning two when Debbie was diagnosed.

“He knows to call for help if Debbie takes a seizure and he will sit with her. He always brings in one of his toys to her to comfort her.

“He has come through so much in his life but he is such a special boy for what he does for his mum. I am very proud of him.

“I organised the fun day as a way of showing him how much we think of him. It was a fantastic day. The whole thing was kept a total surprise from him.

“He was presented with a star shaped award, certificate and a signed picture of Jedward.

“He watches them on television and loves them so that was a really nice touch.

“There must have been well over 100 friends and family who came along on the day and all the kids enjoyed themselves on the bouncy castle and had their faces painted.”

Natalya from BT Buddies was delighted to present Callum with his award.

She said: “I have been supporting Linda for over a year now and it is mainly through her that we hear little stories about Callum.

“The main one is about how he helps when his mum has a seizure. There are plenty of adults that cannot cope with that but he takes in all in his stride.

“It is not something that happens every couple of months but it’s something he has to cope with every day and he is doing brilliantly.

“He is a remarkable young boy.”

The charity revealed that the award would now be given out annually and named in Callum’s honour.

Linda added: “We had a raffle on the day and also took donations and we think we have raised nearly £2400 for BT Buddies.

“I can’t thank Natalya enough for the support she has given me and for what she did for Callum.

“I’d also like to thank the Saltire pub for letting us have the fun day there, Crown Relocations for their donation of Lego to Callum and everybody who came along or who made a donation. It was a special day.”