Nottinghamshire brothers' bond highlights the work of young carers

Jacob and Zac enjoy playing sports and games together

The mother of a nine-year-old Nottinghamshire boy who helps to care for his little brother said she was really proud of how he had adapted.

Zac, from Clipstone, looks out for Jacob, seven, who had major bowel surgery aged two.

Since then, Zac has helped him with medication and ensuring he eats the right things to stay healthy.

This week Young Carers Action Day has highlighted the work of children who help others.

Zac said visiting Jacob in hospital after Covid restrictions was an "amazing feeling"

Jacob had his bowel removed when he was two - and then had a bowel transplant 18 months later.

Covid meant visiting access was severely restricted.

Zac said: "It was really painful not being able to go in. I wanted to see him every day and when I got to go in and be with him, it was the most amazing feeling of my life."

Now Zac looks after Jacob, especially during times like school trips and visits to grandparents.

Mother and father Louise and Chris said the bond between the brothers had got stronger

Their mother, Louise, said: "The bond that Zac and Jacob share has become a lot stronger and enabled them to have them summer nights together playing football again. It's unbreakable."

She also thanked the local Young Carers group, which provides support, advice and holds family events.

Louise added: "The Young Carers Project allows Zac to feel special, even though he already is special to us.

"But we've seen such a change in him since he started going last November and he's become much more confident."

Nottinghamshire County Council data shows there are 5,562 carers under the age of 25 living in Nottinghamshire - with many not recognising themselves as carers.