Greek Cypriot Zena Nicolaou has been crowned carer of the year for her devotion looking after her multiple sclerosis (MS) suffering mother.
Zena, 26, from Ilford, won the MS Society award for her hard work caring for her mother Niki Nicolaou.
She carries out most of the household chores such as cooking and cleaning as well as helping her wash and style her hair.
Talking at the award ceremony, hosted by Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills in London on 27 April, she said: “To be named carer of the year is absolutely amazing. It means everything to me and it’s more that I could ever imagine. There are so many people that deserve to be standing where I’m standing – people that I believe have done 10 times more than me, 100 times more than me.
“I’m very proud to be here and I hope my mother is as well.”
Zena and her mother want to raise awareness about MD in the Greek community. Zena was the driving force behind Niki talking about her MS at the Cypriot Community Centre in Wood Green to a group of 30 women.
The young carer also works as a safeguarding officer and administrator at a private training provider, giving business support and advice, and writes poetry about the challenges of being a carer.
The MS Society award recognises the achievements of people with MS and those who go above and beyond in supporting people with the condition.