Caring brother's an award finalist

Living with a sibling who needs constant care is not easy but Albany’s Owen Smith embraces the experience.

The 10-year-old’s brother, Liam, 8, was born with congenital defects that impaired his ability to live a normal life.

These include muscle weakness, autism, global development delay, growth and sleep hormone deficiencies, asthma and epilepsy that can lead to paralysis.

“We are still finding out what’s wrong with (Liam),” Owen’s mother Sara said.

“Owen puts a lot of time into him and is so patient and understanding.”

She said without Owen and his sister, Alyssa, 7, Liam would not be such a happy child.

“Liam gets the biggest smile on his face when his brother comes home,” she said.

“Between them, Owen and his sister do the vacuuming, clean their bathrooms and help with the washing.”

Owen said although his brother could be hard work, he enjoyed every moment with him.

“I really like him the way he is — I love him because he helps out in any way he can,” he said.

“In the morning and afternoon we get his feeding tube ready and we clean up after him. It’s a family job.”

Owen said he often missed out on playing football because he had to go to Perth for Liam’s medical appointments.

“I don’t mind,” Owen said.

“I can find my own way to play with him.”

His father works away, so Owen is Liam’s primary carer.

Owen is a finalist in this year’s Young People Who Care awards, which recognise young people who look after loved ones.

Award winners will be announced tonight.

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