16 year old Catherine Collins from Smithboro in County Monaghan suffers from a rare chromosomal mutation called SAT-B2.
The syndrome has affected her intellectually - and - to a lesser extent physically – and as a result she is completely dependent on her family and community supports.
Some weeks ago, her family made the very difficult decision to move her to residential care but she is still very much the heart and soul of the family and comes home at weekends.
According to the CSO there are 3,800 children under 15 years who provide care to others – however, family carers Ireland argue this ‘’seriously underestimates the true figure’’ which it claims is in the region of 28 thousand.
At just 14 years of age – Sean Collins – brother to Catherine – is one of the country’s young carers who provides invaluable support to her and his parents Annette and Donal.
In his mother’s words ‘Sean is Catherine’s only sibling and ultimately will take on the responsibility as carer for the rest of his life’
Last year Sean was recognised for his role when he won carer of the year – he and his mum Annette spoke to the Joe Finnegan Show on Tuesday (broadcast 12/11)
