Teenage carer shortlisted for £6,000 student award

A TEENAGER who has been caring for his disabled mother since he was 10 years old is in the running to win a top student award.

Nathan Woolfrey, 18, from Yate, has been named in a shortlist of three in a contest which could see him win a brand new car.

He saw off competition from 200 others to make it to the final of the Most Deserving Student award, being run by Motors.co.uk.

Nathan, an IT student at South Gloucestershire and Stroud College, received enough public votes to send him into the top three.

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He was nominated by his mum Kelly for his hard work over the past eight years. Since he was 10, Nathan has been caring for his disabled mother by helping with domestic and personal tasks.

Having to grow up fast and take on the role of carer, Nathan has not had what most people would consider a 'normal' childhood, but still remained focused at school and achieved good GCSE results.

He is studying for a BTEC Level 3 Diploma in ICT and learning to drive.

Motors.co.uk were looking for entries from driven, dedicated students who had gone above and beyond for others.

Suitable student nominees were those spending their spare time contributing to the community, enjoying outstanding sporting success, or achieving results against the odds.

The winner of the contest will drive home in a car worth £5,000, with a £1,000 prize going to the winner's university or college.

Nathan said: "I was surprised that my mum nominated me and even more shocked that I have been shortlisted in the top three. It means the world to me that my mum nominated me.

"It's such a change as I never win anything, it would be amazing to win, I'd be able to help my mum and dad out as well as having more freedom."