A TEENAGER from Kearsley is preparing to taker her GCSEs — while caring for her mum who has multiple sclerosis.

Zaynab Inam, aged 16, juggles schoolwork with being a carer, helping around the house and looking after her younger brother.

And now she has been selected as one of three finalists in the Young Carer of the Year category in the MS Society’s annual awards.

The student, who attends Kearsley Academy, cares for her 35-year-old Rahat, who was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago.

She helps her mum with cooking, dressing, walking and taking her medication, at the same time as studying for her GCSEs and helping to look after her 12-year-old brother.

Zaynab said: “I totally didn’t expect this. I’m so happy to know a lot of people are proud of me.

“And I’m really proud of myself, because it’s a lot of hard work. But the support I get, including through the stories and messages I see from the MS Society, make a huge difference.” MS is a condition that affects more than 100,000 people in the UK.

It can cause problems with how people walk, move, see, think and feel, and is different for everyone.

Ms Inam nominated her daughter for the award personally.

She said: “Ever since my diagnosis Zaynab has been there for me. She goes above and beyond her role as a daughter.

“Whilst looking after me she also looks after her little brother who is 12, and is studying hard doing her GCSEs this year.

“Recently she was awarded Pupil of the Week at school, out of 600 pupils. I’m so proud of her!”

The MS Society Awards celebrates and rewards the hard work and dedication of people who make a difference to the MS community.

Michelle Mitchell, chief executive of the MS Society, said: “We are delighted Zaynab is one of this year’s finalists and we’re looking forward to welcoming her and her family to our awards ceremony.”

The 2018 MS Society Awards will be held on Friday, April 27 at the County Hall in London. For more information visit mssociety.org.uk/awards or follow the ceremony live on social media using #MSSocietyAwards2018