No Limits for carers’ pop group

FIVE music-loving teens who each act as a carer for one of their parents have clubbed together to form a pop band.

The girl group, called No Limits, was created after the Midlothian teens, who look after a parent with a physical or mental disability, met at a carer training camp.

They got the chance to perform their debut concert at Tynecastle Stadium on Wednesday in front of family and friends. Charity Children 1st – which is responsible for the carers – and Hearts clubbed together to give the girls the unique opportunity.

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Jodie Lewis, 14, who cares for her physically-disabled mum, explained the band was one of her top hobbies and that it had given her a chance to relax, while building her confidence.

Jodie said: “I’ve been caring for my mum since I was three or four. From the age of three I’ve done the cleaning, helped bring her wheelchair, crutches and zimmer and I used to help her wash. My twin Hannah does all the cooking, but she has motor neurone syndrome so I care for her a bit too.”

Another carer, Montanna Cleevely, 13, helps her mum, Anne, cope with her bipolar disorder and chronic insomnia. She said: “I help with my mum’s mental illness. Sometimes she is fine, sometimes she’s not. She doesn’t like to go outside because she feels it’s not safe.

“I help my mum cook and clean, take the dogs out and go to the shops. I feel really bad for her because it must be a horrible feeling, but I just talk to her and see her right. It’s been a hard year because my dad left. I help look after my little sister too.”

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Anne added: “I’m very grateful to Children 1st for giving this opportunity to Montanna. She loves it so much and it’s brought out her confidence and kept her going.”

The group, which also included Amy Morgan, 14, Rebecca McLaren, 14, and Bryony Hughes, 15, played pop hits, including songs by Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera, in a hour-long set.

Vicky Anderson, a Support Worker at the Children 1st Midlothian Young Carers service, said: “This was a chance for five young carers to get a break from family circumstances, take part in something new and gain a sense of achievement.

“This project has allowed them to build on their confidence and self-esteem and build relationships with young people in a similar situation to them.”

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