'Amazing' young carer meets Prince Harry at ceremony

A 12-year-old girl who helps her mother care for her brother has been given a special award by Prince Harry.

Anya, from Matlock in Derbyshire, was nominated by her mother Gemma in the Inspirational Sibling category of the WellChild Awards.

She received the award at a ceremony at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London on Monday.

Gemma said her daughter "does so much" to help her brother Edward, 15, who was born with a chromosomal disorder and developmental delay.

The Duke of Sussex is a patron of Wellchild, a charity for seriously ill children and their families.

Anya said she met a host of celebrities and enjoyed music from Pixie Lott on the night.

"The ceremony was really cool," she said. "I got to meet Rod Stewart, KSI and Gaby Roslin, who took me around to meet all her celebrity friends.

"Prince Harry was really nice and I got a hug from him. Everyone was so tall - I felt really short!

"We had a really good time and it was worth it to miss school!"

Prince Harry paid tribute to the children and teenagers recognised at the event, calling them "little legends" who remind him "of the strength of the human spirit".

"Thank you for being you and uplifting all those around you," he added.

Gemma said Anya was an "amazing girl" who not only cared for her brother but "helps me stay sane".

Edward has little understanding of danger and is also severely short-sighted, so he needs constant supervision, meaning Anya has to step in whenever her mother has to do even basic jobs around the house.

"I nominated Anya because she does so much and she doesn't realise how much she does," Gemma said.

"A lot of siblings have lived this way and have done this all their lives and they don't realise how special they are.

"I'm really proud of Anya. It's nice for her to get a bit of attention and for it all to be about her."

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