'I'd love a normal life, but being a 17-year-old carer means sacrifices'
Young carers face huge disadvantages growing up - one teenager explains what life is like.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I worry about him all the time."
— Ava-Grace Britton , Other
"It turned our life upside down."
— Karen Britton , Activist
"When young carers get these it can make a real difference."
— Andy McGowan , Activist
Key People
Andy is the lead on young carers at the Carers Trust, advocating for support for young individuals in caregiving roles.
Ava-Grace is a 17-year-old carer for her father, Paul, managing significant responsibilities while studying acting at college.
Karen is the mother of Ava-Grace and runs a charity that organizes lunch clubs for the elderly and vulnerable.
Paul is the father of Ava-Grace, who has significant mobility and memory issues after suffering strokes.
Locations
All Coverage
Young carers face huge disadvantages growing up - one teenager explains what life is like.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
'What terminal cancer has taught me about life'
A Gloucestershire man with terminal cancer shares the life lessons he wishes he'd learned sooner.
October 10, 2026 at 06:16 AMWhat happens when you don't know your family medical history?
People who have been adopted or in care sometimes struggle to access family medical history which would be crucial to their own health.
October 10, 2026 at 05:45 AMQuestions remain over Ebola patient who travelled across three nations undetected
Fresh details reveal how the 40-year-old businessman flew and crossed regional borders while seriously ill.
October 10, 2026 at 12:00 AMLawmaker calls for US research funding curbs on more Chinese schools - Reuters
Lawmaker calls for US research funding curbs on more Chinese schools Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 08:05 PMUS FDA approves Asahi Kasei's drug for persistent herpes infections - Reuters
US FDA approves Asahi Kasei's drug for persistent herpes infections Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 06:01 PMUS measles cases rise to 4,080, CDC says - Reuters
US measles cases rise to 4,080, CDC says Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 05:45 PM