The Southmoor Community School pupil does everything from cleaning to cooking and shopping to take the load off his disabled mum and keep the household running while dad Len is at work.

On top of this he also helps to support his 18-year-old brother Matthew who suffers from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) autism and other learning difficulties.

Now Len, of Villette Road, Hendon, has nominated David for a Young Achiever's Award to say thank you for everything he has done for the family.

Len, 50, a support worker for adults with learning disabilities, said: "To be honest if I didn't have his help I would not be able to work. His support to our family is invaluable."

David has helped with daily chores from a very early age, after his mum Michelle was diagnosed with keratoconus 10 years ago.

Keratoconus causes the cornea in the eye to become stretched and thin, making her vision in both eyes short-sighted and irregular.

The condition has meant Michelle has had to have two cornea transplants.
On top of that, Michelle was diagnosed with fibromyalgia four years ago, which causes pain in her muscles and ligaments, making it difficult for her to walk.

The two conditions have left her virtually housebound, but caring David always does his best to make sure she has as normal a life as possible.

Michelle, 39, said: "He comes in from school and does anything that needs doing then he takes me to do the shopping. He carries the bags and helps me across the road because I have trouble judging the speed of traffic.

"Without him I would be stuck in the house all the time."

David has developed his cooking skills and makes sure there is always a nice meal on the table – his speciality is pasta Bolognese.

And despite having so many responsibilities at home, he still keeps up with his schoolwork and takes part in school activities, including a recycling scheme and a hampers for the elderly project at Christmas.

One day he hopes to be a pathologist because he especially enjoys science.

The Young Achiever's Awards are designed to celebrate the amazing contribution that young people are making to our city. They are organised by Sunderland City Council and are sponsored by the Echo, Sunderland AFC, Nissan, Nike, Metro Radio, the National Glass Centre, Pronta Print, Sunderland Youth Parliament and the RNB group.