A 12-year-old boy from Earley has been shortlisted for a national charity award.

Rossi Blackburn-Hind has been recognised for the support he gives to his dad, Steve, who suffers from mitochondrial disease.

Rossi's dad, Steve, first started losing his hearing ten years ago and was diagnosed with diabetes eight years ago.

Seven years ago, the family discovered Steve had mitochondrial disease, which causes muscular and neurological problems.

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Rossi lives at home with his dad, mum Anne-Marie, and two adult brothers, Joshua and Jacob.

As Joshua and Jacob both work, Anne-Marie says Rossi provides a lot of help around the house and care for Steve.

As Rossi’s voice is still quite high, Steve can hear him better than any other family member, and Rossi also uses gesture and some signs to communicate with his dad.

Rossi also is able to get him food or drinks when his blood sugar is low or he is in too much pain to move, and helps bring him medication that he needs.

Rossi has even asked his young carers teacher at school if he can take cooking lessons, so he can help more with making meals at home.

Rossi was diagnosed with autism six years ago, which his mum says makes him a better carer to his dad.

She explained: "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."

Anne-Marie also praised Rossi’s patience and understanding, saying he will sit with his dad and talk with him when he’s in a lot of pain or frustrated from not being able to communicate.

She also said he never complains about not having experiences other children his age get to have, such as doing weekend and after-school activities, which aren’t always possible for the family due to the uncertain nature of Steve’s health.

Rossi’s care for his dad has now been recognised, and he will find out in the last week of November if he has won ‘Carer of the Year’ at the Sense Awards.

Rossi said he felt 'happy, excited and proud' to be shortlisted for the award.

Sense chief executive Richard Kramer said: "Carers make a huge difference to the lives of their disabled loved ones.

"Rossi shows great resilience and empathy in the care he gives to his dad Steve, despite the stresses of having an unwell parent."