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A CITY teenager is putting her heart and soul into helping her disabled younger sister achieve a sporting dream.
A CITY teenager is putting her heart and soul into helping her disabled younger sister achieve a sporting dream.Sian O’Hearn will do anything to put a smile on her 10-year-old sister’s face – even if it means dedicating her time to raise 4,500 so that she and five others can perform at the Special Olympics National Summer Games.
The 13-year-old’s sister Grace has cerebral palsy which affects her behaviour and mental abilities and also gets her agitated and upset. She also has epilepsy which is treated with three types of medicine.
But the youngster, who is a member of City of Peterborough Gymnastics Club, has set her heart on performing a floor routine at the Games in Leicester next July.
Now the teenager, who has already raised about 800, has been put forward for the Stagecoach Young People of the Year award, which reveals, recognises and rewards young people who are positive role models.
Sian, of Eye Road, Peterborough, was nominated by co-ordinator of Peterborough Young Carers Project Janine Baxter for her consistent support to Grace.
The Games will attract 3,000 adults and children with learning difficulties. They will compete in 21 sports supported by more than 1,000 coaches and 6,000 family members.
Sian has been involved in helping to organise events to raise the money which so far include organising a beauty night at Boots for which she sold a lot of tickets and a non-uniform day at her St John Fisher School, in Reeves Way.
Sian said: “I love Grace a lot, but it’s difficult and tiring sometimes. I would do anything to help her because she’s my sister.
“I wanted to do a sponsored parachute jump to raise funds but I’m not allowed because I’m too young, but I have persuaded an older cousin to do one. Going to the Special Olympics would mean a lot to Grace because she would feel that she is doing something good among her peer group. She is really excited about the prospect.”
Grace added: “I like it that Sian is raising money to help me go to the Special Olympics. I love gymnastics and I’m looking forward to it very much.”
Mum Yasmin said Sian also gets Grace ready for school or for bed and prepares her medicines.
She said: “Sian is so enthusiastic about the fund-raising.
“I’m really pleased that she has done this not for herself but for her sister and others.
“Grace loves gymnastics and is really excited about going to the Special Olympics. When she is with this group of people she feels she is achieving which is important for her.”
Founder of Yopey Tony Gearing said: “It is wonderful that Sian is raising money so that her disabled sister can achieve her dream of participating in the Special Olympics.
“We want more Peterborough young people, who put others first, to be nominated for Yopey.”
Sian has organised two bag packs at Sainsbury’s, in Oxney Road on November 15 and December 20.
n To be a volunteer, call Jodie East on 07710955399.
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