An 11-year-old girl who became the main carer for her mum whose health deteriorated suddenly has won an award.

Poppy Dungey, of Wellesley Road, Sheerness, stepped in after her mother, Serena Williams, was diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) – something so rare that even medics have to Google it.

The condition has left the 34-year-old coping with pain, speech problems, seizures and blurred vision, meaning Poppy has to help out with even the most basic tasks.

Since the former Eastchurch Primary School teaching assistant was diagnosed after being rushed to A&E last October, Poppy has been helping her with daily life and starting secondary school. She has maintained 100% attendance since Serena’s diagnosis.

The mum-of-one said: “I was diagnosed in October last year. Poppy does things around the house, she’s helped me shower and dress - all the things that an 11-year-old girl shouldn’t have to worry about.

“It’s debilitating, it’s impacted on the fact I can’t go back to work and it limits what I can do,” she added.

“I’m just really proud of her and everything she’s achieving at school and at home. I couldn’t have done this last year without her. I’ve been rushed to A&E this year and consultants have had to Google my condition so I carry an information sheet with me now.

“It made me well up at the awards ceremony because it’s not until it’s read out loud that you realise all that she’s had to do. Everything changed because I couldn’t go back to work, so with that your income changes.”

Poppy, who started at Highsted Grammar School in Sittingbourne in September, attended the Kent County Council Try Angle Award district finals at Herne Bay High School on Thursday, October 10.

Poppy was awarded the Swale district prize in the Good Friends and Young Carers category.

“I think it’s brought us closer together as a result. I’m really proud of her,” Serena added.

Read more: All the latest news from the Isle of Sheppey

Read more: All the latest news from Sittingbourne

To keep up-to-date with all the latest developments with your local hospitals and other health stories, click here