Published: Thursday, 24th December, 2009 4:37pm

Special son rewarded for looking after ill mum

by Jim Stark

Comments (0) | Print | Email

A LOCHGELLY teenager, who is a full-time carer to his dying mother, has won a runners-up prize of £200 in the Buchanan's of Scotland Young People of the Year awards.

YOPEY recognises young people who are positive role models and give to others and is endorsed by the leaders of both main political parties.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown calls the contest "a wonderful celebration of Britain's youth" and it is also supported by Conservative leader David Cameron.

And eighteen-year old Pavanveer Kooner, from Lochgelly, part the PM's constituency, is dedicated to his mum Ranjit who suffers from motor neurone disease (MND) and has been looking after her at the family¹s home in Auchterderran Road, Lochgelly, for three years.

Recently the family ­ which also consists of dad Komar, 43, brother Harveer, 13, and grandmother Komal, 70 ­ has received the news that Ranjit is dying from the disease, although the family do not know how long she has to live.

Ranjit was diagnosed seven years ago with MND which gets progressively worse. Her muscles are wasting away and she has difficulties with speech, swallowing and breathing.

The 42-year-old is becoming increasingly immobile and has to rely on Pananveer for almost everything.

Pavanveer is the main carer for his mum because his dad Komar works full time in the family's newsagents, Kooner's Newsagent, also in Auchterderran Road.

Pavanveer also helps his dad every weekday morning in the newsagents from 5am to 7am before returning home to get his mum up and start his long day looking after her.

Pavanveer described a typical day, "I wake up at 5am to help my dad set up at our newsagents, and return home at 7am to wake my mum up and help her to the toilet and get dressed. I then sort out breakfast for her and my brother," he said.

"We live in a bungalow but I still have to help mum walk back and forth from the bathroom, and anywhere else in the house. During the day I stay at home mostly. Sometimes I have to visit the cash-and-carry for my dad during the day, but only as long as someone is there with my mum.

"My gran makes the dinner but I help my mum with the eating. Then later I help her get ready for bed. The last thing I do is set up my mum's ventilator before bed, which helps her breath through the night."

Pavanveer was nominated for YOPEY by his paternal aunt Ravinder Kaur because of the loving and committed way he looks after his mum.

"Pavanveer is such a brilliant child," said his aunt. "He stays at home round the clock to look after his mum and looks after the whole family too.

"It¹s sad to see him have no time to himself, because he is forced to do this."

Except for short visits by a paid carer, Pavanveer takes care of his mum by himself. Now Pavanveer is having to cope with the news that his mother is dying from the disease. "Pavanveer still manages to be strong for his family," said his aunt.

In Scotland, the young people competed for £6,000 in prize money put up by Buchanan's of Scotland fair trade sweets. There were 14 prizes ranging from £200 to £2,000.

Pavanveer left Beath High School after sitting his standard grades.

He did not have the option of continuing his education because he was desperately needed at home.

Despite having little respite ­ he has the weekends off from helping in the family newsagents, but still looks after his mum. ­ He feels lucky to have friends and family who understand his situation and try to help.

He added, "I just get along with it. I would have liked to get a job after finishing school or get some training, but that is not possible at the moment.

"I do feel sad sometimes but I have been helping my mum for so long that I don't know any different.

"Im a hard worker and I don¹t mind doing things at home. At the end of the day she is my mum and it's my job to help her. Mum always tells me that I am a good boy and that she couldn't do without my help."

Pavanveer is giving half his £200 to MND Association.