'Siblings of the Year' winners Freddie and Bayleigh go above and beyond for their brother

Bayleigh and Freddie have been crowned 'Siblings of the Year' by Sense, a charity which supports disabled people and their families.

Their brother Archie has cerebral palsy and additional needs and their mum says she wouldn't be able to manage without their help.

They help to feed, clothe and bathe Archie, as well as help with his medicines and physiotherapy.

Keep reading to hear about other children recognised at the 2024 Sense Awards.

Marianne (bottom right) with her mum, dad and brother Levi

Also nominated for Sibling of the Year is Marianne, who kept her brother Levi safe when he had a seizure one night.

Levi is autistic and has sensory processing disorder, as well as epilepsy.

She knew exactly what to do and jumped into action when she found her big brother in distress, collecting towels to help prop him up.

She helped to reassure her mum and Levi until everyone was calm again.

Her mum said she has always stuck up for her big brother, first telling strangers to “stop staring at Levi and go away” during a family trip to London when she was just five years old.

Marianne said: “I love my brother. I am only doing what anyone else would do. I feel that supporting him - and other people who are seen by some as being 'different' is really important.

“I’d like everyone to show more compassion because we all need help sometimes. A little bit of kindness goes a long way!”

Bryanna (R) and her brother Lucian

Also recognised in the national awards is 10-year-old Bryanna, who has won 'Carer of the Year'.

She cares for her disabled mum who lives with multiple health and mental health conditions.

Bryanna has helped her mum since she was three and now she's older, she helps to prepare food, cook dinner, tidies up and cleans.

Her brother has additional needs too and Bryanna created a 'calming corner' for him with fidget toys and books to help him out.

When she was nominated, Bryanna said: “I feel amazing and excited, I didn't even know that Sense did awards. I am so happy that someone thinks I'm good at this other than my mum!”

Rossi was also nominated for 'Carer of the Year' for helping to look after his dad Steve, who has mitochondrial disease. Steve has hearing loss, type 1 diabetes and problems with his nervous system.

Rossi helps to get his dad food and drink when his blood sugar is low and medication when he's in a lot of pain.

Rossi has autism, which his mum, Anne-Marie, says makes him a better carer.

She said: “Sometimes people have a misconception that autism means you don’t feel things or can’t have empathy, but I think the opposite is often true.

"Rossi feels things very deeply and is very sensitive, so can pick up on what his dad needs even if he’s struggling to talk.”