A Wisbech student who helps care for two disabled people is in the running for a competition that awards young positive role models.

Cambs Times: YOPEY 2015 logoYOPEY 2015 logo (Image: Archant)

Emese Allen has supported and cared for her older brother, who has cerebral palsy, as well as a childhood friend with Down’s syndrome.

She helps out while funding herself through a musical theatre course costing £3,000.

Now she has been nominated for the 10th anniversary Cambridgeshire Young People of the Year awards known as YOPEYs.

Seventeen-year-old Emese, of St Augustines Road, was nominated for YOPEY by her mum Christine.

She said: “Emese is a very hard-working young lady and I am very proud of her. She did really well in her GCSEs but rather than go to college she chose to do a BTEC in musical theatre at the Backstage Academy of Performing Arts. The course costs nearly £3,000 per year and because I cannot help her pay for it she works part-time as a waitress to cover the cost.

“She does all this while helping with her brother Kristian at home. Recently he has had two major operations on his feet to help him walk and Emese has always been around to help and support him.

“Emese is also close to her childhood friend Jacob, who has Down’s syndrome. He needs a carer on many occasions and Emese is always happy to help. At Christmas Jacob’s mother wasn’t available to take him to a panto and Emese took him instead.”

Jacob’s mum Amanda Moore said: “Emese and Jacob have known each other since nursery. She always has time for him and tries to visit him for tea at least once a week. They spend time together doing cooking as well as arts and crafts.

“Jacob is partially deaf and goes to a special school, but to have a normal teenager like Emese around him has been invaluable. Both our families have been on outings and holidays together and she always helps look after him.”

Emese has attended the Backstage Academy of Performing Arts in Tydd Saint Giles, since she was seven and has stayed on to complete a musical theatre BTEC.

Backstage principal Helen Weekley said: “It’s rare to see such dedication in a young person.

“She has been involved with youth work and projects at the academy too. She has helped run classes for young people with mental health issues as a form of art therapy for them.

“Last year we needed to raise money for costumes for one of our performances and Emese held a fundraiser at the pub where she works and raised over £300.

“Emese is hardworking and dedicated and a joy to be around.”

Emese is auditioning for places on performing arts degrees starting in September and sees her future in teaching dance and arts-based community projects.

She said: “I think I’ve always loved helping people because of my brother Kristian. Since I was young I have helped look after him.

“I spend time with my friend Jacob too because he can be such a joy to be around. He doesn’t talk and his hearing isn’t very good so we communicate with limited sign language.

“I want people to have a better understanding and more awareness about such conditions.”